No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

The ancient latrines of the Greeks, in all their public glory.

The legendary luxury train passage is commemorated with a charming museum inside its former eastern terminus.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.

Kuwait City's uniquely designed water towers look straight out of a retro sci-fi cityscape.

Wander among the ghostly ruins of an island where civilization flourished for thousands of years.

Perched above the bustling town of Kerak is a sprawling, ruinous castle that has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history.

This exceptionally well-preserved ancient marvel also houses a small museum dedicated to Jordanian folk tradition.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years old and harbors many surprises.

This archaeological site boasts temple ruins that date back 5,000 years to the Dilmun culture, and may have been described in the tale of Gilgamesh's search for immortality.

This beautifully historic Bahrain fortress might not be the most popular attraction around, but that might make it all the better.

A limestone wonderland of water and subterranean secrets.

This bridge made famous in a novel and on-screen wasn't actually built over the river Kwai.

Acres of salt crystal pyramids dry in the sun along Thailand's "salt road."

A shrine built to combat the bad karma of a commercial venture.

This dazzling Buddhist temple was constructed from over one million ceramic tiles salvaged from a British shipwreck.

Buddha shrines hide within dark tunnels at this unique forest temple.