10 Lost Ancient Cities Of The World

Here are some of the long lost ancient cities that still provides a brief look to the past. Although torn, burned or abandoned they provide clues to ancient history behind. So lets take a look at some of the ancient city.


1.Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan
Country: Jordan
Civilization: the Nabataeans
Inhabited: sixth century B.C.
This rose-colored city carved from cliffs garnered fame in the West thanks to the 1980s blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.


2.Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza, MexicoCountry: Mexico
Civilization: the Mayans
Inhabited: 600 to 1000 A.D.
Site of one of Mesoamerica's largest ball courts, this royal city is located near a massive underground cenote, or sinkhole, where the bodies of human sacrifices were dropped.



3.Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey

Derinkuyu Underground City, Photo: Thinkstock
Country: Turkey
Civilization: possibly the Phrygians
Inhabited: Approximately eighth century B.C.to 10th century A.D.
This underground network has more than 10 floors and room for up to 50,000 people, plus livestock. It is rumored to have been a hideout for early Christians escaping Roman persecution.


4.Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, PeruThe results of the survey suggest that ease of learning the local language and adapting to the local culture are areas in which the U.S. fares well in as an expat destination--despite low scores in organizing finances and health care.


5.Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor, CambodiaCountry: Cambodia
Civilization: the Khmer Empire
Inhabited: ninth century to 15th century A.D.
More than a thousand temples, including Angkor Wat, populate this long-time Khmer capital. It declined after a successful attack by invaders from what is now Thailand.


6.Pre-Roman Carthage, Tunisia

Pre-Roman Carthage, TunisiaCountry: Tunisia
Civilization: the Phoenicians
Inhabited: 650 to 146 B.C.

Carthage was home to the Roman Empire's arch-nemesis, Hannibal. It was burned and the earth salted during the final Punic War.


7.Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii, ItalyCountry: Italy
Civilization: the Roman Empire
Inhabited: seventh/sixth century B.C. to 79 A.D.

Pompeii was a cultural center and vacation destination for Roman high society until it was destroyed in 79 A.D. by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Left behind are naturally ash-encased mummies.


8.Memphis, Egypt

Memphis, EgyptCountry: Egypt
Civilization: the Ancient Egyptians
Inhabited: third millennium B.C. to seventh century A.D.

Located at the mouth of the Nile delta, Memphis thrived for centures as a center of trade, commerce, religion and royalty. Foreign invasions, including one by Alexander the Great, let to its demise.


9.Teotihuacan, Mexico

Teotihuacan, MexicoCountry: Mexico
Civilization: possibly the Totonac people
Inhabited: 100 B.C. to 250 A.D.

This city, the founders of which remain a mystery, is home to some of the largest pyramids in pre-Columbian America. It inspired several major empires, those of the Zapotec and Mayans.


10.Mosque City of Bagerhat, Bangladesh

Mosque City of Bagerhat, BangladeshCountry: Bangladesh
Civilization: Khan Jahan Ali
Inhabited: 15th century A.D.

The city formerly known as Khalifatabad was founded by a Turkish general. It boasts more than 50 Islamic monuments and the Sixty Pillar Mosque, constructed with 60 pillars and 80 domes.



These ancient wonders are well worth a visit, even in troubled times.
By Morgan Brennan
Source: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-39274939