Many cities from ancient times were lost and eventually forgotten with time until some historians or wanderers intentionally or accidentally discovered the ruins.
Perhaps in the distant future, our descendants will look upon the ruins of Statue Of Liberty or Taj Mahal and study the civilization and settlements around. It will not be a surprise if several present-day cities are found submerged beneath the ground. Just as history mentions numerous ancient lost cities that were abandoned, drowned, or lost in the wilderness, let us explore five such lost cities, that are worth visiting at least once.
Ani, Turkey
Ani was the splendid capital of an Armenian kingdom during the 10th century. The city is popularly known as ‘The City of 1001 Churches’. Several churches are still in place today, surrounded by bewitching green fields. It is difficult to imagine that these reminiscent ruins were once part of a city-state that could rival Constantinople.
Lothal, India
Lothal is arguably the most significant ancient city among all the excavated lost cities of the world. This city showcases brilliant urban planning and well-organized building structures from the times of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Of all the ancient lost cities in India, Lothal is the most famous of all.
Thebes, Egypt
Thebes served as the capital city of Egypt from approximately 2040 to 1070 BC, and it was dedicated to the king of all deities, Amon. The splendor of Thebes remains unrivaled to date, and the Karnak Complex, Temple of Ramesses II, and the Temple of Luxor are still some of the greatest architectural marvels the world has ever witnessed. Do not miss out on the tomb of Tutankhamun, which lies here too.
Pompeii and Herculaneum, Italy
The glorious city of Pompeii was covered in a thick blanket of ash in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, causing numerous residents to get buried alive with all their possessions and their animals preserved perfectly. The city of Herculaneum was buried deeper under the ash from the eruption; Here even food remained intact. Both these ancient cities now serve as a kind of time capsule.
Petra, Jordan
The capital city of the Nabateans, Jordan was a primary trading center for spices and silk that linked Asia with the West and Arabia. Petra started facing decline under the rule of the Romans during the fourth century AD, and the city remained undiscovered until 1812.
Ravaged by natural progression or by war, these are some of the most famous lost cities in the world that deserve your attention.
