Ancient civilizations make who we are today , the knowledge we gained from our ancestors are endless. Even though human creating marvels with the developing technology, our ancestors have played a great role by enriching us with wisdom. Many of ancient cities and civilizations disappeared from the world’s radar without a blip and its really a shame we run searches over the internet to know about our ancient civilization and lost cities.
This list brings you some ancient lost cities which are now lost.
10) Ephesus, Turkey
Ephesus was an ancient Greek city lies the coast of Lonia was built around 10th century BC. The city was well known for the Temple of Artemis which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Also Ephesus was also one of the Seven churches of Asia that are cited in the book of Revelation. The site was rediscovered around 1863 and several excavations were conducted in this city, now it was a popular spot for tourists from all over the world.
9) Petra, Jordan
Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the South of Jordan and also known as Rose city due to the color of the stone out of which it is made. The City was dated early in 312 BCE and was the capital city of the Nabataeans. The city remain undiscovered by the western world until 1812 and later explored by an Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig. From 1985 Petra has been a UNESCO World heritage and currently it was a great tourist spot which attracts thousands from all around the world.
8) Mohenja Daro, Pakistan
Indus valley civilization was one of the oldest civilization in the world along with Egyptian and Mesopotamian. This city is located in the Larkana District of Sindh Pakistan. The city is dated to to be built around 26th century with advanced civil engineering and urban planning which includes drainage systems. Despite this historians believes that the flooding of the Indus river might have destroyed the city and finally left abandoned. This city was abandoned in 19th century BCE and not rediscovered only until 1922.
7) Palmyra, Syria
Palmyra was an ancient Aramaic city which is located in an oasis northeast of Damascus. It has been a important caravan city for the travelers who were crossing the Syrian desert and also known as the Bride of desert. Also this city was referenced by the name “Tadmur” which was recorded in the Babylonian tablets found in Mari. This city was fell into disuse after the 16th century and currently it was one of the UNESCO world heritage site.
6) Pavlopetri, Greece
The city of Pavlopetri lies in Underwater off the coast of Southern Laconia in Peloponnese Greece. This city is about 5000 years old. It is the oldest Submerged archaeological site in the world. The city was likely sub merged by the rising sea level and subsidence of the ground caused by the earthquakes. However many parts of this city are still untouched and awaiting to be discovered. The city of Pavlopetri is protected by the UNESCO convention on the Protection of the underwater Cultural heritage.
5) Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal was one of the Mysterious Mayan City which was once the capital city of Mayan Kingdom. It was located in the Peten Basin of Northern Guatemala. Abandoning the city happened over a long ago and the city was left for the jungles to grow over it. This city was rediscovered in the year 1848 by a organized expedition where they found one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. There lies Pyramids which measures 70 meters high, royal palaces and playing arena for the Mayan Ball game.
4) Pompeii, Italy
The city of Pompeii was an ancient town near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania. The town was believed to be found in seventh or sixth century BC by the Oscans and later captured by Romans in 80 BC. The city attained great development with modern water systems, amphitheater, gymnasium and a port. The city is said to be destroyed by a Volcanic eruption which collapsed the roof and buried Pompeii under many meters of Ash. It was later accidentally rediscovered in the year 1748.
3) Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu the old inca city was located on a mountain ridge above the sacred valley and it is the most familiar icon of Inca Civilization. The city was founded around 1450 AD and abandoned around 1572 AD as a result of the Spanish Conquest of South America. The city was built in classical Inca style with polished dry stone walls and are vulnerable to Natural disasters. It was also voted as one of the New seven wonders of the world in Internet poll conducted world wide. Of course it too was also included in the list of World Heritage site by UNESCO.
2) Troy, Turkey
This city was very familiar to both history and legend. This city was situated in Northwest Anatolia is now Turkey. Troy was considered as a myth unless a dig accidentally found ruins of a city called as ilium. They found a huge defensive walls as described by Homer in Illiad and they also found a golden jewelry which was said to be jewels of Helen. Also the city was dated around 3000BC and was destroyed multiple times and each city was built on the ruins of the last. This city now announced as the World heritage site by UNESCO
1) Memphis, Egypt
Memphis was the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch the first nome of lower Egypt. It was located at 20Km south of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile river. The city was founded around 31st century BC and abandoned around 7th century AD. Many experts believe that the downfall of this city was due to the loss of its economic significance. It is followed by the rise of coastal Alexandria. The ruins still remains and they have been preserved along with the Pyramid Complex at Giza as a World Heritage site.
These are the very few lost cities around the world which you all must try to visit at least once in your lifetime. Hope you guys like this list, see you next time 🙂