The World’s Grandest Tombs
People do not consider death a luxurious event. But for the kings and queens of the past, tombs and mausoleums should be as magnificent as the palaces they lived in. At the expense of thousands of slaves, the crumbling bones of these royalties lie at the some of the world’s most extravagant structures. These royalties have died centuries ago, yet they are housed by grander and more lavish edifices than any of us.
Taj Mahal. This has to be one of the most beautiful buildings of all time. Characterized by its unbelievable symmetry and intricate interior, the Taj Mahal is not only a glorious representation of India’s heritage, but also of the world. Its Mughal architecture shows a combination of Persian, Turkish and Islamic influences. This grand construction, that looks like it housed many royal families, is actually a mausoleum built for Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The emperor was buried in the Taj Mahal as well, beside his wife. Fortunately, Taj Mahal survived near destruction during India’s times of war and invasion.
Shi Huang Di’s Terracotta Army. Strong belief in the afterlife gave us another of the world’s greatest tombs. The first emperor of China, Shi Huang Di, ordered the assembly of terracotta warriors by his grave before he died. These warriors are branded with that name precisely because the army is made of terracotta, which is a type of clay. So lavish was Shi Huang Di’s life on earth that he wanted to bring it with him in the after he dies. He believed that he will be needing an army in the afterlife that he asked for the construction of over 8,000 terracotta warriors. Each soldier in this army of clay is unique. The facial details of both the soldiers and their horses are amazingly realistic. This army makes Shi Huang Di’s tomb one of the world’s greatest. It is guarded by thousands of sculptures that supposedly should protect him in the afterlife.
Valley of Kings and Queens. Chinese are not the only ones who have great regard for the afterlife. Egypt has great history and mythology that is reflected in their architecture. There are actually numerous tombs of mummified bodies in different pyramids, but the Valley of Kings have to be the largest. The Valley of Kings has been used as burial ground for centuries, and holds at least 63 dead kings. As expected from the splendor of Egyptian art and architecture, this valley has numerous halls embellished with religious images that usually tell a story. Beside the Valley of Kings is the Valley of Queens, where the royal women and children were buried. It is decorated with the same majesty as the halls of the Valley of Kings. Though it would be thrilling to visit these tombs, only few parts are open for the public due to restoration processes.
The word mausoleum actually came from a grand tomb in ancient Turkey for a ruler Mausolus. It was also a great structure with unique and intricate architecture. Unfortunately the grandeur that stood for his grave is already in ruins. Hopefully, this will not be the same fate of the other magnificent tombs.
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