#4 - The Roman Colonial Town Named Timgad
Founded by Emperor Trajan in 100 AD, Timgad was a Roman colonial town in Algeria. For the first several hundred years, the military colony enjoyed a peaceful existence; it wouldn’t be until the 5th century that the city would be sacked by Vandals. The city hadn’t recovered before it was sacked again, this time by the Berbers. After the Byzantine reconquest in the 6th century, the ancient city was starting to see signs of normal city activity. However, soon after the city showed signs of revival, an Arab invasion brought about extensive destruction which didn’t cease until they stopped occupying the area after the turn of the 8th century. After Arabs had sacked the city in the 8th century, the ancient city disappeared from history until it was found again in 1881. In this picture, you can see just how much potential this ancient city had. Here is a picture of the 3,500 seat theater; it’s still in rather good condition considering it’s age. Here are two carved gravestones, showing the wealth of the city when it was prosperous.
#3 - The Ancient Lost City of the Americas - Caral
The lost ancient city of Caral was once one of the largest cities of the Norte Chico civilization. There were around 3,000 people living in the city you see pictured here between 2600 BC and 2000 BC, but by 1800 BC, the area had been completely abandoned. The people of Caral were thought to be peaceful since there was no evidence of any defensive structures, weapons, or body remains with any violent injuries. The civilization prospered and spent their time studying the heavens, practicing their religion and playing musical instruments. You can see some of the bone flutes they used in this picture. Although the city didn’t get wiped out by neighboring forces, the citizens were forced to leave their city due to drought. After the city had been abandoned in 1800 BC, the surrounding sands covered and preserved the ancient city until it was rediscovered in 1948 by Paul Kosok.
#2 - The Stone Age Village of Skara Brae
The village of Skara Brae is located on the west coast of Scotland and was constructed during the Stone Age. It is known as one of the best preserved Stone Age villages in Europe. The village was thought to have been inhabited between 3180 BC and 2500 BC. This picture shows you a bird’s eye view of the lost stone village. It is a tourist attraction today, and that is the reason you see people walking all over the ancient site in this image. Each dwelling was about 430 square feet with a hearth in the center to be used for cooking. You can see a picture of one of these homes in this image here. The people that once lived here were said to have abandoned the area once the climate changed and the weather became more cold and wet. After the citizens left, great sands storms covered and preserved the stone village perfectly until another great sandstorm uncovered the site in 1850. In this image, you can see some of the jewelry, pendants, and bone pins that were discovered in the village. Today, the lost Stone Age village is a well-visited tourist attraction.
#1 - The Egyptian City of Heracleion
This long lost city was thought to be made of legends since no physical proof had ever been brought forward. It wasn’t until French underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio discovered its ruins in 2000 that we even knew it existed. The legendary city dates back to 12 century BC and was once rumored that Helen and Paris of Troy had been stranded in the city before the Trojan War began. It was even said that Hercules himself visited the great port city, giving the city it’s unique name. Even though the city’s presence had been written about in Greek history, prior to its discovery, there had never been a trace of the city ever found. Many conclude that the city vanished over 1,200 years ago most likely due to earthquakes and floods. The research and recovery area is located near Alexandria, Egypt in Abu Qir Bay. The 13-year excavation process has unearthed some amazing treasures from the lost city. In this picture, you can see what looks like a bowl or dish made of gold, half buried in the ocean floor. In this image, you can see a diver closely examining the large stone slab inscribed in ancient Egyptian. And this photo shows you an artist’s idea of what the ancient port city might have looked like. In addition to these things, huge statues depicting gods, gold coins and weights, over 60 ships and several limestone sarcophagi were also discovered in this amazing find.
