8 ancient lost cities of the world

Many cities that used to be alive with life disappeared throughout history, leaving only ruins and riddles in their wake.

Both explorers and historians have been enthralled with these vanished cities that have been concealed by time and the elements.

Machu Picchu, Peru: A famous ancient city in Peru's mountains. It was created long ago by a people group known as the Incas.

Petra, Jordan flourished as a trading hub in ancient times and was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. After being abandoned in the 7th century, it was mostly forgotten until the early 19th century, when it was found again.

Angkor, Cambodia: Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

Troy, Turkey: A city made famous in folklore for a significant battle. It was believed it was made up until it was discovered in Turkey during the 1800s.

Palenque, Mexico: An ancient Mexican city constructed by a group called the Maya. Before it was found again in the 1700s, it had been lost in the bush for a long time.

Tikal, Guatemala: During its heyday in the sixth century AD, Tikal was one of the largest cities in the Maya civilization. It was hidden in the bush and inexplicably abandoned in the tenth century, only to be found again in the 19th.

Mesa Verde, USA: A settlement of prehistoric Native American homes carved out of Colorado cliffs. From the 6th to the 12th centuries AD, people lived there until abandoning it for unclear reasons. It was rediscovered in the late 19th century.

Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe flourished from the 11th and the 15th centuries. Around the 15th century, it was abandoned, and until European explorers discovered it again in the 19th century, it was largely forgotten.