It’s hard to imagine London, Paris, or even Seoul without high-rise buildings and dazzling lights. But believe it or not, centuries ago, these capital cities from around the world looked nothing like they do today. Before modernization took hold, the towering skyscrapers, tarred roads, and flashy cars we’re used to seeing were once medieval buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and cobblestone streets. Thanks to photography and the amazing artists behind it, catching a glimpse into the past has never been easier. Get ready to take a step back in time with this list of 49 rare early photos of the world’s capital cities.

The 19th century was a period of rapid cultural and industrial change for Paris. During that time, photography pioneer Louis Daguerre captured this image of the Boulevard du Te

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