Lost cities, hidden for centuries, have always captured the imagination of archaeologists, historians, and the general public alike. These once-thriving metropolises that have been lost to time are often discovered by chance or through extensive exploration and excavation efforts. The discovery of these ancient cities sheds light on the past and provides insight into the lives of people who lived centuries or even millennia ago. In this article, we will explore some of the most significant and fascinating discoveries of lost cities.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is a city that was lost to the world for over a thousand years. Located in the southwestern part of Jordan, the city was built in the 6th century BCE by the Nabataeans. Petra was carved out of sandstone cliffs and features a unique blend of ancient architectural styles. In 1985, Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city that was lost to the world for almost 400 years. The city is located in the Andes Mountains in Peru and was built in the 15th century. Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest of Peru and was not rediscovered until 1911. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia that was built in the 12th century. The temple complex is one of the largest religious monuments in the world and is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat was lost to the world for centuries and was rediscovered by French explorers in the 19th century. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.
Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is an ancient Mayan city that was lost to the world for centuries. The city was built in the 1st century BCE and was abandoned in the 10th century CE. Tikal is located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle and features massive pyramids, temples, and plazas. The city was rediscovered in the 19th century and is now a popular tourist destination.
Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The city was buried under ash and pumice and was lost to the world for almost 1700 years. Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers a glimpse into ancient Roman life and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan
Mohenjo-daro is an ancient Indus Valley city that was lost to the world for almost 4000 years. The city was built in the 3rd millennium BCE and was abandoned in the 19th century BCE. Mohenjo-daro is located in present-day Pakistan and features impressive architectural structures, including a great bath and a granary. The city was rediscovered in the 1920s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Teotihuacan, Mexico
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city that was lost to the world for centuries. The city was built in the 1st century CE and was abandoned in the 7th century CE. Teotihuacan is located in central Mexico and features massive pyramids, temples, and plazas. The city was rediscovered in the 18th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cahokia, United States
This ancient city was the largest pre-Columbian settlement in North America and was home to the Mississippian culture. It was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 17th century.
Nan Madol, Micronesia
This ancient city was built on a series of small islands and is made up of stone ruins and canals. It was rediscovered by Europeans in the 19th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
