Uncountable empires were built in different Cities at different times out of which some are lost and forgotten and some are left. Some places were rediscovered accidentally while some were discovered through deep research. These lost cities add majesty, wonder, and mystery to the past times. Some of the most beautiful lost cities found all around the world are,
Lost Cities
1. Tikal, Guatemala
A beautiful attraction located in the Peten Region of Guatemala is Tikal. The huge pyramids and walkways build it into the most prosperous city of the Mayan period and catch the eyes of the guests. Spread over 575 square kilometers, Tikal was declared a world Heritage site in 1979 by UNESCO. All the temples, quarters, buildings, and palaces of Tikal were constructed of limestone but unfortunately, Tikal has been abundant now due to continuous drought and deforestation.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Monuments Of Ancient Egypt
Image Source: Pedro Szekely
2. Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan
One of the earliest settlements in the world built in the 26th Century BC was Mohenjo-Daro. It is sited in Sindh Pakistan and was revealed in 1921. No temples, monuments, or palaces were present in Mohenjo-Daro and even there was no central government. Elected officials controlled all the regions in the city and there was top most cleanliness and wealth in the society.
Mohenjo-Daro was declared the first heritage site in South Asia by UNESCO in 1980 but because of improper erosion and destruction this site is threatened and by 2030 Mohenjo-Daro will be destroyed because of continuous flooding and less conservation.
Also Read: 10 Mysterious Underwater Cities Of The Ancient World
Image Source: Wikimedia
3. Vijayanagar, India
Built by Bukka and Hakka on the orders of Sage Vidyaranya, Vijayanagar of India covers a great part of South India today. Initiating in 1336 AD this period lasted till 1646 A.D. In order to protect the Hindus, their culture, and their traditions from Muslims Vijayanagar was created and the might of this empire was preserved in almost 7000 writings written in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and many languages.
The battle of Talikota is enough to understand the power of this kingdom because in this battle Vijayanagar defeated 5 Muslim Empires together. With Hampi as the capital city, Vijayanagar was involved in textiles, perfumery, mining, and many more industrial activities.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Influential People In The History
Image Source: Wikimedia
4. Ani, Turkey
The great pride for Armenians, Ani city is well known as the City of Thousand Churches. Located in the Kars region of Turkey at the Turkey-Armenian border this city was extremely prosperous but unfortunately by 1236 Ani Empire started declining when the robbery of precious goods happened by Mongol forces and above that in 1319, a major earthquake struck this city which devastated all the buildings and monuments which ultimately led to the destruction of this empire.
Image Source: Wikipedia
5. Thebes, Egypt
Included in one of the richest and most significant cities in Ancient Egypt was Thebes. In 1979, Thebes was included in world heritage sites by UNESCO and was the religious and political capital of the country situated on the Eastern part of the Nile River. Temples like Luxor and Karnak were among the most renowned temples found at that time in the eastern part. Ancient tombs, cemeteries, and funerary temples were found in the western part.
6. Persepolis, Iran
One of the most famous historical cities located in Southern Iran is Persepolis. The buildings of the city were constructed of limestone, mud, and bricks and were found in the 6th century. This unique archeological site was built on the model of half artificial and half natural terraces. Acknowledged as the gem of Persia, Persepolis was rich in architecture, technology, art, and monuments. This great city was included in the world’s heritage sites by UNESCO in 1979.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Palenque, Mexico
Not as big as Tikal, Palenque is a small site with a variety of sculptures, art, culture, and carvings. It was a Maya City in Southern Mexico and existed in the 8th Century from 226 BC to 799 BC. Palenque Mexico was included in world heritage sites by UNESCO. At that time, the builders used plaster and limestone to construct smooth and finished buildings. One of the most beautiful and largest temples- The Temple of Inscriptions was found there in 1952 and also it is believed that ornamental remains were also found buried under the temple.
Image Source: Wikimedia
8. Petra, Jordan
Included in the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is one of the most striking places and catches the eyes of visitors. This was also known as a lost city as it remained unknown till 1812 to the Western World. Petra is also considered to be one of the most valuable possessions of man’s legacy. Established in about 312 BC, Petra is one of the oldest cities in the world it was included under the world’s heritage site by UNESCO in 1985 but today, Petra is half turned into rocks.
Image Source: Wikimedia
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
One of the most well-known historic sites in South America is Machu Picchu. The construction of Machu Picchu is thought to be started in around 1450 AD and no mortars were used to build the entire empire. Instead, they used the Ashlars technique that used cutting of stone and laying on one another without space which made the buildings of this place free of the earthquake. It is also known as the lost city of Incas because it was unknown for a long time. But, it can’t actually be lost because people living around knew about this site before its discovery.
Also Read: Top 10 Best And Most Popular Historical Periods
Image Source: Wikimedia
10. Angkor, Cambodia
One of the largest religious cities constructed in the 12th century is Angkor city which is located in Cambodia. It was listed as the world’s heritage site by UNESCO in 1992. It is spread over an area of 400 square kilometers and one must require several days to properly explore this city. Around 35 years were taken to build this city along with thousands of elephants and 300000 laborers.
The temple’s royal palaces covered around 200 acres area but unfortunately, nothing is left today. The pride of Cambodia-Angkor Wat is printed on the Cambodian flag and on the national currency. Around 50% of tourists visit Cambodia every year but still, it is not listed among the Seven Wonders of the World.
Image Source: Wikimedia
These are some of the amazing lost cities in the world. Kindly share and do post your comments.
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