The existence of certain man-made monuments and archaeological finds related to our ancient- and pre-history are leading many archaeologists to believe long forgotten advanced civilizations existed.
Here are some of the lost cities of ancient civilization, to satisfy your curiosity about the ancient civilization and complete your travel bucket list.
1. El Tigre, Guatemala
El Mirador became a powerful center from sixth century BC onwards. It reached its peak from 3rd century BC to 1st century BC. El Mirador predates the Classic period of Maya. El Mirador was first discovered in 1926 but a detailed excavation began in 1978. The majestic El Tigre temple complex does not see much visitors as it is unreachable by road and requires a two-day trekking and sleeping in the hammocks.
2. Vilcabamba, Peru
Vilcamba was the last bastion of the Inca. It was founded in 1539 and the Spaniards conquered it in 1572 ushering the end of resistance of the Inca. Vilcabamba was then destroyed and began to be known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Vilcabamba is located in the jungles along the banks of the Chontabamba River in the south of Peru. The site was rediscovered by three brothers in 1892.
3. Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan
The Indus Valley civilization was entirely unknown until 1921 when excavations in what would become Pakistan revealed the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. This mysterious culture emerged nearly 4,500 years ago and thrived for a thousand years, profiting from the highly fertile lands of the Indus River floodplain and trade with the civilizations of nearby Mesopotamia.
4. Persepolis, Iran
Persepolis is located seventy miles north-east of Shiraz, Iran. The name “Parsa” literally meant “The City Of The Persians.” It was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Darius I, founded the capital in 518 BC and Alexander’s army ravaged the city in 330 BC.
5. Caracol, Belize
Caracol was one of the major political centres of Maya Lowland during the Classic period. The city was teeming with life and reached its zenith during the sixth century. The glory of Caracol began to diminish around 950 AD. Caracol boasts of pyramids, royal tombs, large dwellings and an extensive collection of Mayan art. The ruins of Caracol were rediscovered by Rosa Mai, a native logger who had come in search of Mahogany in 1937. It is Mayan largest archaeological site. The main temple at 136 feet is the tallest man-made structure.
Source – Telegraph.co.uk