9 Cities of Lost History

Most of the time, we think about our history and we imagine that it was grand and prosperous. That faith in some better world that has passed is mostly drawn from numerous archaeological discoveries. Here, we present to you “lost” discoveries.

9. Palenque (Mexico)

According to archaeologists, this city was founded somewhere around 100 BC. A lot of history of this Mayan city state in southern Mexico has been reconstructed using hieroglyphic inscriptions. The records show that the city flourished in the 7th century, but was abandoned around 800 AD. After that, nature has continued its course and city was absorbed back into the jungle. Possible original name was Na Chan Kan (city of snakes). If you visit the site today, you`ll probably find native Lancondon Indians selling handmade weapons and trinkets.

8. Pavlopetri (Greece)

When you say “lost city”, most of the people will think about Atlantis. There are no reliable evidence that it ever existed, with the exception of Plato’s writings about the city that was swallowed by the sea. The same fate befell the Pavlopetri, a city that has existed from the Stone Age to 1000 BC. and gave authentic view of the life in that era to archaeologists. The interesting fact is that most of the settlements that got swallowed by sea are severely damaged, while Pavlopetri seems almost untouched. City probably sunk due to the raising of sea level and soil subsidence as a result of the earthquakes. Knowing that sea level changed several times during the existence of mankind, it is possible that there is a similar city just waiting in the deep blue to be discovered.

7. Memphis (Egypt)

This city was the ancient capital of administrative center of Egypt throughout its history. Old name for Memphis was Ineb Hedj which means “The White Walls”. The city was founded, according to Herodotus, around 3100 BC and its founder was Menes who united the Egypts two kingdoms. Estimated population of the city differs, but it`s generally accepted that city had some 30.000 citizens and was the largest city worldwide at that moment.

6. Timgad (Algeria)

This, once a very vibrant place that was founded by Emperor Trajan, survived many adversities and has grown into a large market town. After its destruction in the 5th century, it was re-built as a center of Christianity. It was then demolished again in the seventh century by the Vandals. That was the reason for the final departure of the population. Sands of Sahara maintained the city until its re-discovery in the 1881. Now, the ruins are giving us an incredible insight into Roman architecture in the African provinces. Here you can see the arch of Trajan, baths and the Temple of Jupiter, as large as the Roman Pantheon. Their way of life is, perhaps, best evidenced by the inscription on the wall: “Hunting, bathing, playing and laughing. This is life!”

5. Machu Picchu (Peru)

This ancient Inca city, “Old Peak”,  is located at the top of the Andes and was inhabited for a relatively short time, probably between 1450. and 1572. before it fell to the Spanish conquerors. Because the Spaniards lost the records of the way to the city, and locals did not want to reveal its location, Machu Picchu didn’t come into the focus of the public until the early 20th century. There is still some disagreement about whether it was a mere colony, a royal refuge or religious sanctuary. This year marks 100 years since the discovery of Machu Picchu.

4. Cliff Palace (Colorado, USA)

Pueblo Indians at the southwestern part of the continent got their name from the villages they built. Although there are modern pueblo communities in existence, their ancient community, known as Anasazi, was flourishing between 900 and 1200 AD. Cliff Palace was built during the “golden age” of the Anasazi`s, but was abandoned in 1300. It was left undiscovered in the desert until 1888. After it was discovered, it was the greatest settlement built in the rocks. Cliff Palace is somewhat a wrong name, because it is more of a village then a palace. It was never discovered why did the residents leave this place, but it`s generally accepted that they did it because of the severe drought.

3. Tikal (Guatemala)

City of Tikal, that was once the capital of the Mayan empire was also the largest city in the New World. Perfectly preserved walls testify to the former power, and the sudden departure of Mayan people. Although there was no reliable knowledge of its existence, after the expedition it the 1848. archaeologists found one of the largest sites in the world. There are pyramids high as 70 meters, the royal palaces, monuments and a large arena for Mayan ball game.

2. Pompeii (Italy)

This Roman city was sited near modern Naples, and was, same as Herculaneum, destroyed when volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted in August in the year of 79. The eruption that spanned for two days buried the city under the tons of ash that preserved it for almost 1700 years, until it was rediscovered in 1748. Although we thought that the ancient Romans lived in the imaginative world of white marble, Pompeii, with political slogans on its walls,  reveals the “real” city, similar to modern ones.

1. Akrotiri (Santorini)

Minoan civilization of Crete, which was named after the mythical King Minos, labyrinth builder, was completely forgotten until the early 20th century. The discovery of the great palace at Knossos, once again shone the glory of that nation, but the Akrotiri, their city on the island of Santorini, is perhaps more beautiful example of their construction.However, the city was buried after the volcanic eruption around 1600. BC which is one of the largest ever remembered. That eruption brought ruin to Minoan kingdom. Discovery of Akrotiri revealed the beautiful frescos and carefully planned construction.