OFF THE RECORD

4 Amazing Lost Cities of the World that have Never been Discovered – If you Know what we Mean?!

There are many cities which were existing on the planet Earth and are now nowhere to be seen or heard of. It is difficult to imagine for an entire city to vanish.

Many reasons such as war, natural disasters and climate change are said to have caused the disappearance of such cities, and many have vanished under mysterious circumstances.

Some met a slow demise while others got completely wiped out in a single day. Researchers are still trying to find the ‘why and how’ of the disappearances. The clues they have been able to get their hands on at times cast nothing but a shadow over the possibility of an erstwhile civilization.

Let’s have a look at four such lost civilizations over the course of human history.

1. Iram of the Pillars

The Qur’an mentions the lost city of Iram of the Pillars, also known as the “Atlantis of the Sands”. This place has been identified with a tribe possibly known as Ad.

According to the Qur’an, the Ad defied the warnings of Allah and Prophet Hud and as a result the city was plagued with a sandstorm for seven days burying the city and its people with it.

Though the story can be taken as a morality story from the holy book, researchers in the early 90s excavated a large, octagonal fort with high walls and towers.

2. Thinis

Image source: Wikipedia

In the years 3100-3000 B.C., the Upper Egypt was headed towards a political unification according to ancient Egypt historian Menetho. The city remains undiscovered till date.

However, it is well spoken about in the ancient history books. Thinis is said to have been a powerful city with a strong army. Eventually Thinis declined in importance as the seat of power shifted to another city. Many hieroglyphics and tablets also indicate the existence of this lost Egyptian city.

3. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Image source: Grepolis

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the famed city of Babylon boasted to have elaborate terrace gardens. It is another city of which no physical evidence had been found.

However, ancient texts claim that the gardens were built by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar for his wife Amyitis.

Some archaeologists believe that this city of gardens was destroyed in war while others blame an earthquake for the destruction of the city.

4. Paititi

Image source: paititieldorado.fr

A lost city of the ancient Inca Empire, Paititi allegedly lies hidden somewhere within the remote rainforests of Peru.

Missionary reports, dating back to 1600s, talk about a large city rich in gold and silver jewels.

However, it is said that these were third-hand reports and cannot be much relied upon. Many explorers have lost their lives or went missing in their search for this lost city of gold.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book The Lost World is said to be based on such notorious journeys to the dense rainforests to discover Paititi.

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