Throughout history, many walls and fortifications were built to protect cities, kingdoms, and empires. These massive structures stood as symbols of strength and resilience, often for centuries. However, even the greatest of these walls have faced natural decay, human intervention, or the passage of time, causing them to crumble. Some remain as ruins, while others have disappeared almost entirely, leaving behind stories of their former glory.
The Berlin Wall, Germany
Once a symbol of division during the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin. Standing at about 12 feet tall and stretching 96 miles, it symbolized ideological conflict. The wall began to crumble, both literally and symbolically, in 1989 with the fall of the Eastern Bloc, and large sections were demolished. Only small fragments remain today, serving as a reminder of its historical significance.
The Great Wall of China, China
Though still standing in many places, large sections of the Great Wall have crumbled over centuries due to natural erosion, neglect, and human activity. The wall, originally over 13,000 miles long, was built to protect China from invasions. Its ancient brick and earth construction could not withstand continuous exposure to weather, and now about 30% of it is in ruins.
Hadrian’s Wall, United Kingdom
Built by the Romans in the 2nd century to protect the northern boundary of their empire in Britain, Hadrian’s Wall once stretched 73 miles across the landscape. It was made of stone and turf, but over the centuries, large portions have fallen apart. Stones from the wall were repurposed for local buildings after the Romans left, contributing to its deterioration.
The Walls of Constantinople, Turkey
The Walls of Constantinople were among the most formidable defenses of the ancient world, protecting the Byzantine capital for centuries. However, the advent of gunpowder and cannons in the 15th century, particularly during the Ottoman siege of 1453, led to their collapse. Some remnants still stand, but much of the wall has crumbled, overtaken by modern developments.
The Western Wall, Jerusalem
Also known as the Wailing Wall, this is a surviving section of the Second Temple’s retaining wall, dating back to around 20 BCE. Earthquakes, conflict, and time have led to the destruction of most of the temple, with only the Western Wall remaining. Despite its survival, even this section shows signs of wear and deterioration over time.
The Aurelian Walls, Italy
Constructed in the 3rd century to protect Rome from invaders, the Aurelian Walls once spanned 12 miles. Made of brick and concrete, they were effective for centuries. However, neglect, modernization, and expansion have led to the destruction of large sections, though some parts still remain as historical relics.
The Great Zimbabwe Walls, Zimbabwe
The stone walls of Great Zimbabwe were built between the 11th and 15th centuries and were once part of a thriving kingdom. However, after the civilization’s decline, the walls fell into disrepair. Erosion and the collapse of mortarless stonework have caused significant sections to crumble, though parts are still standing.
The Theodosian Walls, Turkey
Another impressive fortification of ancient Constantinople, the Theodosian Walls were built in the 5th century to bolster the city’s defense. Although they withstood numerous sieges, the walls suffered extensive damage over time due to natural disasters like earthquakes, as well as neglect after the Ottoman conquest.
The Wall of Babylon, Iraq
The ancient walls of Babylon, believed to have been around 56 miles long, were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed in the 6th century BCE, the walls have since deteriorated due to environmental factors and conflict. Today, only remnants remain, with many bricks looted or repurposed over centuries.
The Antonine Wall, United Kingdom
This Roman defensive wall was built north of Hadrian’s Wall to further extend the Empire’s northern border. Constructed of turf on a stone foundation in the 2nd century, it was abandoned not long after, and the wall gradually fell into ruin, with very little left today due to natural erosion.
The Sassanid Wall, Iran
Built by the Sassanid Empire in the 3rd century to defend against nomadic invaders, this wall once stretched nearly 120 miles, making it one of the longest ancient fortifications. Over time, natural erosion and human intervention have caused large sections of the wall to disintegrate.
The Great Wall of Gorgan, Iran
Also known as the Red Snake, this massive defensive wall was built by the Sassanian Empire to protect against northern invaders. Made of red brick and spanning 121 miles, the wall has crumbled in many places due to erosion and lack of preservation, though some remnants still remain.
The Walls of Jericho, Palestine
Considered one of the oldest fortified walls, dating back to 8000 BCE, the walls of Jericho protected the ancient city for centuries. However, earthquakes, war, and natural erosion have long since reduced them to ruins, with only traces of the original structure visible today.
The Iron Curtain, Various Locations in Europe
The Iron Curtain was more symbolic than physical, though sections like the Berlin Wall and other border fortifications represented its presence. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century saw the removal or crumbling of these barriers, both ideologically and physically.
The Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
This Crusader castle was considered one of the most important medieval fortifications. Built in the 12th century, it was heavily damaged by earthquakes and warfare over the centuries. Recent conflicts in the region have further devastated the structure, causing parts of it to crumble.
The Great Wall of Ston, Croatia
Built in the 14th century, the Great Wall of Ston was constructed to protect the salt pans of the Republic of Ragusa. Although once the longest fortified system in Europe, the wall has seen significant portions deteriorate over time, largely due to lack of maintenance.
The Walls of Lucca, Italy
Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, these Renaissance walls were once among the best-preserved in Italy. However, many sections have been damaged due to modernization and natural wear. Today, only parts of the wall remain intact, with the rest crumbling over time.
The Wall of Uruk, Iraq
The walls of Uruk, one of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia, were once a symbol of power, built around 3000 BCE. Over time, they eroded due to weather conditions and lack of preservation, and now only traces remain of the once-great fortifications.
The Xiangyang City Wall, China
Once an impressive structure protecting the city of Xiangyang during the Yuan Dynasty, the city wall was built in the 10th century. After centuries of warfare and neglect, large sections have crumbled, although parts have been restored in modern times.
The Walls of Troy, Turkey
Believed to have been built around the 13th century BCE, the Walls of Troy protected the ancient city during the Trojan War. Though remnants still stand, much of the wall has crumbled due to earthquakes and the ravages of time, with many of its stones repurposed in later constructions.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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