6 Lost Cities of the Ancient World That Were Later Rediscovered
It’s not unusual for something to get forgotten over time. Whether it’s a historical event or a language, history eventually forgets about it. But when it comes to lost cities of the ancient world, it’s shocking to know that they disappeared in history. But what about lost cities of the ancient world that are later rediscovered? Learn more about these ancient cities here.
6. Elba, Syria
Like so many other lost cities of the ancient world, ancient Elba was discovered by chance. The city was once a thriving metropolis, but up until the 1960s, it was viewed as backwaters or welcome stops on major trade routes between Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Egypt. An Italian archaeologist, Paola Matthiae, investigated the mounds to discover this ancient city, one of the earliest kingdoms in Syria.
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5. Caral, Peru
Caral in Peru is one of the oldest known civilizations, dating back to 2600 BC. It’s also one of the lost cities of the ancient world that was later rediscovered in 1948, but the significance of the site wasn’t fully understood until later excavations in the 1990s.
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4. Sanchi, India
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi is known for its stupas and Buddhist monuments. The site was rediscovered in 1919 by British General Taylor. One of the most significant structures in this location is the Great Stupa, which was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The site also includes monasteries, temples, and pillars, offering visitors breathtaking views.
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3. Mesa Verde, United States
One of the lost cities of the ancient world that was later discovered is located in the United States, specifically Colorado. Mesa Verda is known for its cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. The city which was later rediscovered in the late 19th century includes over 600 cliff dwellings, including the ancient, and famous, Cliff Palace.
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2. Hattusa, Turkey
Hattusa, which was once the capital of the Hittite Empire, is located in present-day Turkey and was later rediscovered in the early 20th century. When excavation began, city walls, temples, and palaces were uncovered, showcasing the breathtaking Hittite architecture.
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1. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Also known as Lion Rock, is a fortress and palace complex in Sri Lanka, built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. The palace complex was later rediscovered in the 19th century. The site includes rock carvings and even a sophisticated water garden system that offers breathtaking views of the jungles.
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