Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering travel News
Lost Cities: Mystical Ruins and Ancient Wonders
The mystique of lost cities has long captivated adventurers, historians, and travelers alike. Such ancient marvels are often concealed beneath dense jungles or buried under shifting sands; these wonders give us a glimpse into the lives, cultures, and mysteries of lost civilizations. Grand temples and intricate urban designs open up doors to connect with the past and reflect on the fleeting nature of human achievement.
Machu Picchu: The Inca Wonder
Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is an iconic wonders of a rediscovered city. This Incan citadel, built in the 15th century, was previously unknown to the outside world until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Seen perched atop a mountain ridge, this site displays the stone terraces and temples of the Inca city, as well as agricultural innovations. Today, millions of visitors come annually to be inspired by the mist-shrouded beauty of Machu Picchu.
Angkor: The Heart of the Khmer Empire
Caught in the dense Cambodian jungle, Angkor was a "sprawling capital the ancient Khmer Empire used to have." It is a massive complex wonder, which houses the famous Angkor Wat, a hub for religion, art, and politics from the 9th to the 15th century. In due course, the town was engulfed by the dense jungle that covered temples with tree roots and vines. Rediscovered in the 19th century, Angkor is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the empire's grandeur.
Pompeii: A Glimpse at Roman Life
Pompeii, located near Naples, Italy, provides an eerie glimpse into Roman life frozen in time. Buried under volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city lay undisturbed for centuries. Excavations have revealed remarkably preserved homes, markets, and artwork, offering an unparalleled view of daily life in ancient Rome. Pompeii’s tragic yet fascinating story continues to draw archaeologists and tourists alike.
Petra: The Rose-Red City
Buried in the sandstone of southern Jordan, Petra had been a developed center for trade and Nabataean Kingdom capital in around 300 BC. Until the early 19th century, the complex tombs, temples, and amphitheatres remained unknown to the Western world. Famous as the "Rose-Red City" because of its characteristic stone colors, the historical and architectural grandeur of Petra makes it a place one cannot afford to miss.
Tikal: The Mayan Metropolis
Deep in the Guatemalan rainforest lies one of the most powerful city-states wonders of the ancient Maya civilization-Tikal. Its towering pyramids, ceremonial platforms, and plazas were abandoned in the 10th century, swallowed by nature. Rediscovered in the 19th century, Tikal is today a World Heritage Site and an archaeological treasure, offering insight into Mayan culture and astronomy.
Lost Cities
Lost cities remind one of humanity's resiliency, creativity, and association with nature. Whether visiting the ruins or reading the stories, such archeological marvels ignite one's curiosity and inspires wonder. A poignant reminder of how fleeting human achievements are, lost cities urge us to preserve the work of our ancestors for all their posterity.
