I though that the Viking construction In Ireland might rival Nara, Japan, for the oldest ruins I have seen so far. Both date to the late 9th century AD. Little did I realize that the Newgrange tombs date to somewhere around 3200 BC, older than either Stonehenge or the Pyramids.

Newgrange neolithic monument

The dark semi-circular cutout is not original–it is just to show the structure–but the fancy carved entrance stone is as well as the roofbox over the door. That allows sun to enter the interior during the winter solstice as the actual doorway is too low and the passage is not straight.

Newgrange neolithic monument

These spirals show up all over the place, as well as some other designs.

Newgrange neolithic monument