What kind of sites were often regarded as sacred from the earliest times?

Locations with special trees or unique rocks

The emergence of Buddhist ideas and practices can be understood as an outcome of interactions with various traditions, such as the Brahmanas and Jainas, among others. These dialogues often led to the formation of sacred sites, although not all ideas and practices were documented in texts. Early on, certain places held significance as sacred, often due to the presence of unique trees, distinctive rocks, or remarkable natural beauty. These locations, sometimes accompanied by small shrines, were occasionally referred to as chaityas.