eli5: Why were some ancient cities like Palmyra and Machu Picchu left to ruin and fall apart over hundreds of years instead of being repopulated?

Question

eli5: Why were some ancient cities like Palmyra and Machu Picchu left to ruin and fall apart over hundreds of years instead of being repopulated?

In: 1677

Answer 1

I think most does, and they become modern cities like Rome. The ones that got preserved are abandoned because there isn’t any reason for there to be a city anymore.

For example, if Vegas lost water or California allowed mega casinos in the 70s, no more Vegas.