Some of the most famous sites in the world were actually lost for years for one reason or another. These are some of the best lost cities and/or their ruins.

1. Pompeii, Italy

A two-day eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in 79 A.D. destroyed and buried the Italian city of Pompeii along with city of Herculaneum. Almost 1700 years later, in 1748, Pompeii was re-discovered and artifacts and buildings were discovered still intact after several excavations of the site.

2. Palmyra, Syria

Palmyra used to be a major caravan stop for people who were trekking across the Syrian Desert. However, during the 16th century it stopped being used. The city is now famous with historians due to its large scale funerary art. Continuous excavations have uncovered ancient churches and temples.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchi is a Peruvian Incan site that sits in the Urubamba Valley 2,430 metres above sea level. The kingdom was built approximately in 1460 A.D. However, they abandoned the site after a smallpox epidemic struck the region during the Spanish conquest. The city became famous around the globe after it was discovered in 1911by an American historian.

4. Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece

The city was buried beneath heavy layers of volcanic ash during the second century. In 1967, excavation began and archaeologists were thrilled to discover paintings, murals, and other artifacts had been preserved and were in  excellent condition. Many historians believe this could actually be the lost city of Atlantis.

5. Carthage, Tunisia

According to Roman legend, Carthage was a as a large, rich city back in 814 B.C. However, the city was ruined by wars. These days, it’s a well known tourist destination.

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