Palmyra
Important ancient city – caravan stop. Existing since at least the 2nd millenia BC, abandoned after the 16th century AD. Now impressive ruins remain – temple of Ba’al (the 1st – 2nd century AD), decumanus with arch, theater and others. City had its own alphabet.
Mahasthangarh
Ruins of the ancient capital of Pundravardhana. This city was founded in the 3rd century BC or earlier. Now remain impressive fortifications that were in the use until the 18th century AD as well as hundreds of mounds with remnants of ancient structures. Walls of the city enclose an area 1,523 m by 1,371 m large. Ramparts are 11 – 13 m tall.
Leptis Magna
Some of the best preserved Roman ruins. This city was founded by Phoenicians around 1000 BC and in the 1st century AD was incorporated into Roman Empire. Abandoned sometimes around 650 AD.
El Mirador – ancient Maya metropolis
Ruins of Maya city that flourished around the 9th century AD. At times here were living more than 100 000 people – thus it was one of the largest cities in the world then. The central part of the city takes some 26 km². The tallest pyramids are more than 70 m tall (La Danta) and belong to the largest constructions in the ancient world. There are other enormous pyramids: El Tigre is 55 m tall, Los Monos – 48 m tall.
Joya de Cerén (Joya de Ceren)
Maya settlement, buried under 4 – 8 m thick layer of volcanic ash that was erupted by Loma crater sometimes around 610 – 670 AD. Buildings and home utensils have been preserved in exceptionally good condition and provide valuable information about the daily lives of people in this community. Even cultivated fields of maize, agave, and other herbs have been preserved.
Persepolis
The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Its development started in 521 BC on an enormous, partly artificially made terrace. Contains ruins of numerous architecturally impressive buildings such as Apadana Palace, Throne Hall, and numerous others. Contains also numerous valuable sculptures and reliefs. Destroyed by troops of Alexander the Great in 330 BC.
Abandoned cities and towns
Wondermondo 🢖 Categories of wonders 🢖 Architectural wonders 🢖 Settlements 🢖 Abandoned cities and towns Category Abandoned cities and towns Described abandoned cities and towns What is included in this category? Wondermondo includes in this category those cities or towns – and also parts of cities – which have been built and inhabited in the past but are abandoned now. Every abandoned city […]
Nusa Roviana hillfort and shrines
Impressive settlement complex – 600 m long hillfort with 3 m high, 2 m wide, and 500 m long wall made of stone rubble. Here are located 13 skull shrines filled with skulls of deceased chiefs. A small terraced area in the highest place of the island contains a legendary shrine – Tiola or dog shrine with a stone carving – dog’s head. The fortress was destroyed in 1892.
