Most Fascinating Lost Cities of Ancient Civilizations

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9Petra – Jordan

Carved directly into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan, Petra was once the bustling capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Founded in the 4th century BCE, Petra became a major trade hub, connecting the East and West. Over time, it was abandoned due to changing trade routes and a devastating earthquake in 363 CE.

For centuries, the city remained lost to the outside world until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today, Petra is known for its stunning rock-cut architecture, especially the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), and its status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.