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
One possible reason is that these cities were built by civilizations that were conquered or otherwise declined. The fall of the civilization that built and inhabited these cities would have led to a loss of population and a lack of people to maintain and repopulate the cities.
Another reason is that these cities were built in remote or inhospitable locations, which would have made them difficult to access and maintain over time. Palmyra, for example, was built in the desert and Machu Picchu is located in the Andes mountains. This would have made it difficult for people to settle in and maintain the cities, leading to their eventual abandonment.
Climate change and environmental factors like drought, earthquakes, and landslides could have also played a role in the decline of these ancient cities. These natural disasters would have made it difficult to maintain the infrastructure of the cities and make them inhabitable.
Lastly, looting and treasure hunting have played a huge role in the fall of these ancient cities. Many people have taken away artifacts and ruins from these cities, which have led to the deterioration of the structures.
Latest Answers