Throughout history, many cities have mysteriously vanished. Have you ever wondered what might have happened to these cities that disappeared without a trace? Let’s take a look at 5 such cities and the stories that may lie behind their disappearances.
1. The Mystery of Roanoke Island
In 1587, a group of English settlers sailed to Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. When supply ships returned to the island three years later, they found the settlement abandoned and the people who had lived there missing. The only clue left behind was the word “Croatoan” carved into a post.
Scholars have proposed various theories to explain what happened to the settlers. Some believe they were killed by Native Americans; others think they may have integrated with nearby tribes. There is even a theory suggesting they were captured by the Spanish or a group of pirates.
Recent archaeological digs have uncovered intriguing clues, including pottery fragments indicating that the settlers may have migrated to nearby islands. However, the fate of the Roanoke colonists remains one of the greatest mysteries in American history.
In August 1590, upon returning from a trip to England for supplies, John White, Governor of the Roanoke Colony, now part of North Carolina, witnessed his settlement deserted. White and his men found no trace of the approximately 100 residents living there, nor any signs of violence. The only clue to the mysterious disappearance of this group was the word “Croatoan” carved on a post surrounding the settlement. (Photo: Livescience)
2. The City of El Dorado
For centuries, the legend of El Dorado has captivated the imaginations of countless explorers. According to the legend, somewhere in the Americas lies a city made entirely of gold. Despite numerous expeditions in search of this city, El Dorado has never been found.
Some historians believe that this legend may be based on the rituals of the Muisca people of modern-day Colombia, who would cover their new ruler in gold dust during a ceremony.
However, some speculate that the legend of El Dorado could have been a tactic used by the Spanish in the past to inspire their troops to seek out treasure. Regardless of the truth, El Dorado remains a mystery to this day.
The legend of El Dorado – the city of gold by Lake Guatavita (now in Colombia) has its roots in medieval times, enticing many brave explorers to set out, although many never returned. (Photo: Planetamaldek)
3. The Mysterious Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest urban societies in the world, with a population of over 5 million at its peak. However, the decline and disappearance of this civilization remain a mystery.
One theory suggests that this civilization was destroyed by a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flooding. Another possibility is that climate change caused the collapse of the agriculture-based economy of this ancient civilization.
Regardless of the cause, the Indus Valley Civilization left behind a rich cultural legacy, including complex urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and a written language that remains undeciphered.
Initially, it was merely stories of an ancient civilization that once existed in what is now Pakistan and was unknown to humanity. Then, in 1842, an explorer claimed he discovered mysterious ruins, but they did not catch the attention of the scientific community. It wasn’t until 1856, while laying railway tracks, that the remnants of an undiscovered civilization were found. (Photo: Zhihu)
4. The Lost City of Helike in Greece
The ancient city of Helike in Greece was once a thriving metropolis, renowned for its wealth and strategic location on the Gulf of Corinth. However, in 373 BC, the city was destroyed by an earthquake and sank beneath the sea.
According to legend, the god Poseidon was angry with the city and caused an earthquake to destroy it. For many centuries, the city remained hidden beneath the waves until underwater excavations in the 20th century finally revealed its ruins.
Today, the ruins of Helike are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world interested in its mysterious past.
The city of Helike was famous for its wealth and strategic location on the Gulf of Corinth. (Illustration: Zhihu).
5. The Mysterious Disappearance of Ancient Egyptian City of Heracleion
The ancient city of Heracleion was once a bustling port with a population of around 100,000 people. However, the city gradually became abandoned and ultimately sank beneath the waves.
For centuries, the city lay hidden underwater until archaeologists discovered its ruins in the early 20th century. The city is now being excavated, and the artifacts uncovered within reveal a rich culture as well as clues about life in ancient Egypt.
There are many theories about why Heracleion vanished beneath the waves. Some scholars believe that rising sea levels caused urban flooding; others think that earthquakes or subsidence could be potential causes.
Another possibility is that the city was ultimately abandoned due to its declining significance as a trading center.
There are many theories about why Heracleion vanished beneath the waves. (Illustration: CNN).
Regardless of the reasons, the discovery of Heracleion has provided us with new insights into the rich history of ancient Egypt and the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic civilization.
