This 7th-century monastery was sacked by Saladin.

The medieval center of the Islamic world was also once the seat of Saladin's sultanate.

A network of ancient Egyptian tombs built into the cliff face along the Nile.

Some believe that this ancient mural depicts technology far ahead of its time, but in reality it's nothing quite out of place.

Even King Tut was intrigued by the glass of the Great Sand Sea.

One of its engravings is believed to be among the first representations of medical and surgical instruments.

Egyptian treasure trove of fossils documenting the whale's transition from land mammal to sea creature.

In Egypt's expanding metro area, many of the neighbors are dead.

This ancient structure is widely thought to be the oldest intact pyramid in the world.

An ancient city exhumed from the depths of the ocean.

An ancient instrument used to measure the waters of the Nile so Egyptian farmers would know whether to expect famine or flood.

Ozymandias’ time-keeping temple.

One of the most well-preserved temples of ancient Egypt.

An endless sea of white conical domes.

Known as the Sistine Chapel of Egypt, this tomb houses some of the most well-preserved paintings in Egypt.

These Egyptian statues have survived for 3,400 years and were an acoustic wonder of the ancient world.

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

The divine septet of Japanese fortune gods are rendered in 1,000 year old wood at this peaceful site.

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

Shrine dedicated to boars that is believed to cure foot and leg injuries.

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.