9th century Abbasid mosque, damaged in modern warfare.

Celebrated as a center of civilization, the remains of the ancient city have been nearly destroyed by greed, egoism, and war.

Colorful mineral deposits turn these mountains into an Impressionist fantasy.

Iranian tombstones shaped like male and female sexual organs.

The hottest, driest, and most scenic desert on Earth.

In this tiny Iranian town playing on the roof isn't just encouraged, it's the only place to go.

Hundreds of stones dangle from barren trees in the middle of the desert.

One of the largest and oldest caravansaries in Persia.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

This vast, water-filled underground labyrinth can only be toured by boat.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

This beautiful system of tunnels built into natural rock serves as a centuries old plumbing system.

A sophisticated astronomical tower built by one of the greatest Persian scholars of the Islamic Golden Age.

The vertical-axis windmills of ancient Persia have been grinding flour for 1,000 years and counting.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

This ruined fortress was the stronghold for a persecuted medieval leader and his infamous Assassins.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

Iran's colorful terraces are a rare geological masterpiece.

Named for the biblical warrior, the largest castle in Israel actually dates to the Middle Ages.

This sixth-century synagogue was first reconstructed digitally, then in real life.

Ghost Town in the Demilitarized Zone of the Golan Heights.

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.