World’s Oldest Banking System The Morocco’s Ancient Granaries

According to historians, the Igudar granaries in Morocco are the world’s oldest bank, going back as far as the 13th Century CE. Some historians believe they may even go farther than that since the granaries are as old as the mountains they are built in. According to historians, the Igudar granaries in Morocco are the world’s oldest bank, dating back as far as the 13th Century CE. Some historians believe they may even go farther than that since the granaries are as old as the mountains they are built.

Each Amazigh family owned a granary and stored their valuables inside it. These valuables ranged from documents and weapons to food and jewelry. An interesting finding is that some granaries were big enough to act as shelters during war times. Some had enough room for cats to protect the valuables from mice.

These granaries belonged to the Amazigh people, who settled in Morocco more than 4000 years ago. The Amazigh tribes mainly lived in the South of Morocco which is a mountainous area. They started to build granaries in the caves and cliffs of the mountains.ugh room for cats to protect their valuables from mice.

Secondly, each tribed selected representatives which formed another management body: the Inflas. The Inflas comprised 10 people and each granary had a key holder called the Amir. The tribes only paid the Amir for their efforts to keep the valuables safe. Additionally, tribe members could safeguard their own granaries as well.

Secondly, each tribed selected representatives, which formed another management body: the Inflas. The Inflas comprised 10 people and each granary had a key holder called the Amir.years, the Moroccan government has been working to have Unesco recognize the granaries as an international heritage of great importance as well.

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Mysterious Nazca Holes

A 20 meters wide band of holes, known as the "Mysterious Nazca Holes," is an archaeological site located in Cerro Viruela in the Nazca region of Peru. It consists of approximately 6,900 to 7,000 small holes with a diameter almost 1m and a depth of 50-100cm. Starting at the edge of the valley they continue uphill for a mile, the band extends in a north - south orientation over a very uneven rocky surface. 

The purpose of these holes remains a mystery, they are believed to have been created by the ancient Nazca culture, which flourished in the region between 100 BC and 800 AD, or by Inca Empire. Over the years it has been suggested that they were used as war defensive positions, graves, storage pits, water collection systems, etc., but no one is sure about the answer. 

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Dunnottar fortress, Scotland

Dunnottar fortress is a destroyed medieval fortress on a rocky promontory off the northeast coast of Scotland, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. The majority of the surviving buildings date back to the 15th-16th centuries AD, however, the region is thought to have been destroyed in the Early Middle Ages. Because of its strategic location and defensive strength, Dunnottar has played an important role in Scottish history up to the 18th century AD, particularly during Jacobite risings. 

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Prasat Thom, Cambodia

Prasat Thom is a stunning pyramid construction located in Koh Ker, Cambodia's ancient city. It is thought to have been built during the reign of King Jayavarman IV in the tenth century AD. This massive edifice stands roughly 36 meters tall and has seven terraces. The pyramid was created as a state temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, but its purpose has surely altered throughout the years. 

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Ancient well system at Nazca, Peru

The ancient well system at Nazca, Peru, was an important part of the sophisticated water management network established by the Nazca civilization between 100 BC and 800 AD. In addition to the underground aqueducts known as puquios, the Nazca people built wells, or cacchitos, to draw water from aquifers in the harsh desert climate. These wells were precisely engineered to prevent water contamination and provide a consistent water supply for agricultural and everyday use.

The engineering and upkeep of the aqueducts and wells demonstrated the Nazca people's sophisticated mastery of hydrology and ability to adapt to harsh desert circumstances. The Nazca well system was critical to the civilization's survival, allowing for large-scale agriculture and supporting a complex society. Nowadays, these ancient water management systems serve as a tribute to the Nazca people's ingenuity and capacity to flourish in a harsh climate. Ongoing research is revealing how significant of these outstanding accomplishments.

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Zona Arqueológica de Teuchitlán

The Zona Arqueológica de Teuchitlán, also known as Guachimontones, is a captivating ancient site in the scenic landscape of Jalisco, Mexico. What sets this archaeological treasure apart are its circular stepped pyramids, or "guachimontones," which stand as a unique testament to the rich history of the region.

Dating back to the era between 300 BCE and 900 CE, the Teuchitlán culture left behind these enigmatic structures, which are a marvel of ancient engineering and architectural prowess. The circular stepped pyramids are a striking departure from the more familiar Mesoamerican pyramid shapes, featuring concentric circles of terraces culminating in a central altar. These structures likely served as ceremonial platforms for religious rites and communal gatherings, offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices and social dynamics of the Teuchitlán people. 

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