According to historians, the first labyrinths appeared in ancient Egypt: Pliny the Elder describes in detail a gloomy structure located near Shedit, which the Greeks themselves called Crocodilopolis. The cult of Sebek, the crocodile-headed god, flourished here, and the labyrinth was the site of strange and dark religious rituals.
In many other countries, the labyrinth has long served roughly the same purpose. The intricate structures were never intended to entertain a bored public: religion and mysticism are still very closely associated with the symbol of the labyrinth itself. At the moment, there are not many such buildings in the world, with an ancient and dark history. Here are five of the most dangerous labyrinths where you definitely shouldn't play hide and seek.
Paris catacombs
The end of the 18th century was a difficult time for overpopulated Paris. The high mortality rate led to the filling of all the surrounding cemeteries: the authorities had to urgently decide what to do with the dead. The abandoned quarries, located right within the city, were originally only a temporary measure - but, as you know, there is nothing more permanent than a temporary solution. In just a year and a half, the number of corpses buried here exceeded six million. The quarries began to expand, turning them in a short time into a real labyrinth of death. Imagine an area of several hundred square kilometers completely filled with death. Now a small section of these catacombs is open to tourists, but the passages leading into the depths are under serious protection.
London dungeon
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The first underground labyrinths were dug out near London two thousand years ago. They grew and developed along with the city, remaining the last refuge of the poor, thieves, murderers and the dead. Classic London slums of the 16th century are shown to tourists for a small fee - such a voucher can be bought at any agency. If you put in a little effort and try to find a local guide, then you can get deeper, but the reward for curiosity will be abandoned torture chambers, the remains of burnt shacks, and even mummified bodies.
Utah state maze
The most remote corner of Canyonlands National Park rarely sees tourists. Those who get there, do it with only one purpose: to try their hand at the natural maze. It is one of the most challenging trails in the world, full of dead-end ravines and circular paths. At any time of the year, there is a very high risk of rockfall and even flooding. Last year alone, ten people went missing here - it was simply impossible to find them in such an area.
Villa Pisani labyrinth
This labyrinth is considered one of the most difficult in the whole world. Visitors can wander here for hours until, in despair, they begin to call for help. According to legend, Napoleon Bonaparte himself managed to get lost here, having argued with one of his generals that he would solve the puzzle in an hour. In the center of this labyrinth, the lucky traveler will find a unique 18th century turret, from the roof of which the majestic Medusa Gorgon looks out over the surrounding space.
Solovetsky labyrinths
35 stone structures found on the Solovetsky Islands are part of the group of the so-called "northern labyrinths". Exactly the same buildings are in Ireland and Scotland, which may indicate the existence in the past of a single nation that settled around the world. Archaeologists associate the labyrinths with the cult of the dead - the remains of human sacrifices were found here. Locals try to bypass the labyrinths.
