When walking through an ancient building or ruins, have you ever wondered what secrets its doors might hold? One could assume that a door’s sole purpose is to provide access to a secluded room or to keep unwanted guests out, but that is not always the case with ancient doors. More often than not, these doors hold stories and secrets that are hidden behind their sturdy panels. From architectural ingenuity to political conspiracies, the secrets behind ancient Doors (Dörrar) are infinite, and in this blog, we will explore some of the most fascinating tales. 

The first fascinating account of the secrets behind ancient doors is the 1836 discovery of the library of Ashurbanipal in Northern Iraq. The entrance to the library was a door that was two stories tall and was made from cedarwood. This impressive door had large bronze knockers depicting two demons, a male and a female. Beyond the impressive door was a well-lit room that appeared to have been frozen in time. The hundreds of clay tablets' piles that were strewn about the room contained texts revealing the experiences of ancient Assyrians throughout the centuries. An array of texts were found, from epic poetry to tax and judicial documents, revealing more about the culture than ever before. 

Another intriguing door from history is the Church of Saint Simeon in Aleppo. The church contained a unique door that was not only beautiful but also contained a spiritual connection. The door was said to have healing powers; those who were sick would come to it, and if they touched it, they would be healed. Over time, the door had to be replaced three times due to the significant wear from the number of patients who came to benefit from it. 

In India, the gateway Damodar Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri exemplifies the unique architectural designs of ancient doors. Dating back to the 16th century, this exquisite door was constructed in honor of the Emperor Akbar’s first son. The door has intricate floral designs, and the incorporation of Sanskrit inscriptions into its structure proves how significant the Mughal dynasty was to Indian history. 

Some ancient doors’ secrets go beyond stories of discovery and designs. For instance, the UK’s Winston Churchill’s War Rooms contained secret doors hidden in the walls. These secret doors were used during WWII to help leaders and personnel escape if there were incoming missile attacks. This was a clever political tactic that helped ensure Britain's survival during the war. 

In conclusion, ancient doors are much more than just entryways. They are a window into our past, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural advancements of our ancestors. The stories behind ancient doors are diverse and include everything from cultural secrets to political escapades. These doors’ secrets have been revealed through time, and the knowledge they have provided us continues to enlighten our understanding of our shared history. The glimpse into the past that ancient doors provides us with is humbling and encourages us to continue discovering the secrets of our ancestors to celebrate their achievements and learn from their failures.