15 #MOST #AMAZING #Ancient #Cities
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00:00Hey everyone, today we're going on a journey through time to explore the top 15 most astonishing
00:05ancient cities.
00:06Let's start with number 15, Shicheng.
00:10The Lion City, it was built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, and it was first established
00:14as a county in 208 AD.
00:17It once served as the center of politics and economics in the eastern province of Zhejiang.
00:22The city thrived for centuries.
00:24It boasted beautiful temples, memorial arches, paved roads, and even houses.
00:29However, in 1959, the Chinese government decided that a new hydroelectric power station
00:34was required.
00:36The construction of a man-made lake, which involved erecting a dam, now known as the
00:40Jinan River Hydroelectric Station, led to the submergence of Shicheng, under 130 feet
00:46of water.
00:47This metropolis was slowly filled with water until it was completely submerged.
00:52Now Qiandao Lake covers an area of 220 square miles.
00:56More than a thousand large islands dot the lake, with a few thousand smaller ones scattered
01:00across it.
01:02For 53 years, the Lion City lay undisturbed and forgotten at the bottom of Thousand Island
01:08Lake.
01:09Then, Qifeng, a local official in charge of tourism, decided to see what remained of the
01:13city under the deep water.
01:15To his amazement, he discovered the entire city, protected from wind, rain, and sun,
01:20had become a time capsule.
01:22The underwater environment preserved the city's buildings, temples, and stone carvings were
01:26remarkably well, and it was protected from all erosion.
01:30Number 14.
01:31Samarkand Samarkand, located in modern-day Uzbekistan,
01:36is famous for sitting along the Silk Road, which connected the Mediterranean world with
01:40the Eastern world.
01:42Archaeological evidence suggests that the area of Samarkand had been occupied by humans
01:46as early as the 14th century BC.
01:49During the 6th century BC, the city became part of the Achaemenid Empire when it was
01:53conquered by Cyrus the Great.
01:55After the reign of Darius the Great, Samarkand was designated as the capital of the Statrapi
01:59of Sagdiana.
02:01In the 4th century BC, it was conquered by Alexander the Great during his campaign against
02:05the Achaemenid Empire, and the city became Alexander's base in the region.
02:10When Alexander's time passed, the rule changed hands and went to the Seleucid Empire.
02:15But as time moved even further along, the fall of the Graeco-Bactrian kingdom to the
02:19Kushans saw Samarkand change hands once again.
02:23Because everyone wanted a stronghold along the Silk Road.
02:27It declined during the Kushan period, but it experienced a revival many centuries later.
02:32During the 7th century, the Silk Road was reopened by China's Tang Dynasty, bringing
02:35great wealth to the city.
02:38Its survival and resurgence came about in 1371, when the conqueror Timur the Lame fortified
02:43the city with a new wall and built a citadel.
02:46Some of the most well-known buildings constructed during this time include the Bibikanu Mosque,
02:51the Registan Mosque, the Gur-i-Amir, and Ulagbek's Observatory, many of which you
02:56can still see today.
02:5813.
02:59Teotihuacan Teotihuacan emerged from Mesoamerica's pre-classical
03:05period as a perfectly planned city, complete with fully developed architecture, advanced
03:11astronomy, mathematics, and a sophisticated calendar.
03:14The ruins that survive today reveal that the earliest layers of the city's construction
03:18exhibit the greatest complexity and sophistication.
03:22While some of the facades were originally stuccoed and painted, most of these have faded
03:26or disappeared, giving the impression of monumentality even as the structures show their age.
03:32At its peak around 200 AD, Teotihuacan was a bustling metropolis with a population well
03:37over 120,000.
03:39It had hundreds of temples and palaces and three massive pyramids named after the sun,
03:43the moon, and the feathered serpent.
03:46Known as the Rome of America, Teotihuacan's ruins lie just 31 miles northeast of modern-day
03:52Mexico City.
03:54By the time the Aztecs arrived in the 14th century, the ancient city was already in ruins,
03:59its pyramids overgrown with shrubs and vegetation.
04:02The Aztecs, like many modern visitors, were left wondering about the mysterious builders
04:06of this place and where they'd come from.
04:08To the Aztecs, the city was built by the gods themselves.
04:11The identity of Teotihuacan's builders remains one of the great mysteries of archaeology.
04:16The city literally appeared as a fully-formed metropolis, suggesting a high level of sophistication
04:22from its inception.
04:23The Aztecs, who discovered the city centuries after its decline, believed it was the work
04:28of the gods and incorporated it into their own mythology.
04:3212.
04:33Tikal, Guatemala Tikal, located in the northern part of the Petén
04:38region of Guatemala, was one of the largest urban centers of the Maya civilization during
04:43the Classic Period.
04:45Originating as a small village around 800 BC during the Middle Preclassic Period, Tikal
04:49grew into a significant ceremonial center by the late Preclassic Period during about
04:53600 to 800.
04:55About 600 to 800, Tikal reached its zenith, extending its homogeny over much of the southern
05:00Maya lowlands.
05:02During this flourishing period, Tikal saw an explosion of architectural and artistic
05:07achievements.
05:08Monumental structures, including pyramids, palaces, and plazas, were constructed.
05:12The city's sophistication is evident in its monumental sculptures, vase paintings, and
05:17the appearance of Maya hieroglyphic writing and complex systems of time-counting.
05:22Architectural marvels include the iconic Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the
05:26Mask.
05:27These towering pyramids rise above the jungle canopy, offering views of the surrounding
05:31landscape.
05:32The city's layout features large ceremonial complexes, ball courts, and residential areas
05:37and reflects the advanced urban planning of the Maya civilization.
05:40But one day, it all seemed to have disappeared.
05:44Like other southern Maya lowland urban centers, Tikal experienced a decline around the 10th
05:48century and was eventually abandoned.
05:50The most popular theory here explaining the collapse of the Maya civilization is severe
05:55droughts caused by climate change.
05:57This theory gained traction in the 1990s with the first paleoclimate records of Central
06:01America.
06:02Today, visiting Tikal is like stepping back in time.
06:05Aside from the remaining ancient architecture, howler monkeys, toucans, and other exotic
06:09animals that all call this sprawling metropolis home.
06:1311.
06:14ATHENS Athens, Greece is often hailed as the cradle
06:18of democracy.
06:19It's one of the greatest ancient cities in the world.
06:22Its rich history, which stretches back over 5,000 years, has left an indelible mark on
06:28civilization.
06:29From its origins in the Neolithic era to its status as a powerful Mycenaean center,
06:33Athens evolved into a beacon of culture, philosophy, and governance.
06:38The ripples of its ancient achievements continue to influence modern society profoundly.
06:43In its early days, Athens was a Mycenaean stronghold complete with a formidable fortress.
06:50Following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization around 1200 BC, Athens managed to prosper
06:54during the Iron Age.
06:56Its strategic location in central Greece, coupled with easy access to the sea, transformed
07:01it into a leading trade hub.
07:03The fortified Acropolis provided security, facilitating the city's growth and dominance
07:08over neighboring towns in the region.
07:10By the Iron Age, Athens had become the wealthiest and most influential state in Greece.
07:15The triumphs of ancient Athens were not limited to military prowess, the city was a powerhouse
07:21of intellectual and cultural development.
07:24It was the birthplace of democracy, a revolutionary new form of government that allowed citizens
07:28to participate directly in political decision-making.
07:32This democratic system laid the foundation for modern democratic governance and inspired
07:36political thought for centuries.
07:38Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle pondered questions of ethics, politics, and
07:43human nature, shaping Western philosophy.
07:46Also, the architectural and artistic achievements of Athens were equally monumental.
07:51The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the city's patron goddess, stands as an example
07:57to Athenian ingenuity and a devotion to the arts.
08:01Number 10.
08:02Ancient Carthage Carthage, an illustrious city of antiquity
08:07on the north coast of Africa, is now a residential suburb of Tunis, Tunisia.
08:12But it all began as a strategic placement on a promontory along the Tunisian coast enabled
08:17it to control ships navigating between Sicily and the North African coast through the Mediterranean
08:23Sea.
08:24Rapidly becoming a bustling port and trading center, Carthage evolved into a significant
08:28Mediterranean power and a formidable rival to Rome.
08:32Recognizing its historical importance, UNESCO added the archaeological site of Carthage
08:36to its World Heritage List in 1979.
08:40According to tradition, Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians of Tyre in 814 BC, with
08:45its Phoenician name meaning New Town.
08:48Although the traditional foundation date of 814 BC may be exaggerated, the chosen site
08:53for Carthage in the center of the Gulf of Tunis was ideal.
08:56The city was constructed on a triangular peninsula covered with low hills and bordered by the
09:01Lake of Tunis, providing a safe anchorage and abundant fish supply.
09:05This strategic location offered access to the Med while being shielded from the violent
09:09storms that plagued other Mediterranean ports.
09:12Additionally, its proximity to the Strait of Sicily placed Carthage at a crucial bottleneck
09:16in the East-West Mediterranean trade.
09:19The ancient citadel, Birsa, was situated on a low hill overlooking the sea.
09:24Although little remains of Carthage's domestic and public buildings, some of the earliest
09:28tombs have been discovered there.
09:30The citadel dominated the city below and it was the keystone of its military defense.
09:34From 149 to 146 BC, the Romans besieged the hill and defeated Carthage.
09:40Following this defeat, the Roman Empire occupied the citadel as the seat of pro-council of
09:44Africa.
09:45In 1884, St. Louis Cathedral was built atop the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated
09:49to Eshmon, the Punic god of healing, on the peak of Birsa Hill.
09:54This Roman Catholic church, built in a Byzantine-Moorish style, ceased to be used for worship in 1964.
09:59Today, it is known as the Acropolium, where public events and traditional Tunisian music
10:04concerts are occasionally held.
10:079.
10:08Nineveh Nineveh, an ancient city whose ruins lie on
10:11the outskirts of modern-day Mosul in northern Iraq, was one of the most significant urban
10:16centers of the ancient world.
10:18Located on the east bank of the Tigris River, Nineveh's history stretches back to the
10:227th millennium BC, where it began as a small Neolithic settlement.
10:26Over time, it evolved into a bustling metropolis, known for its architecture, cultural significance,
10:32and pivotal role in the history of Mesopotamia.
10:35By the early 2nd millennium BC, Nineveh had grown into a town of considerable importance
10:39primarily as a religious center dedicated to the goddess Ishtar.
10:43This religious significance laid the foundation for Nineveh's growth and development.
10:47It was during this period the city served as a vassal to the Hurrian kingdom of Mitanni
10:52before being captured by the Assyrians.
10:55It was under Assyrian rule, particularly during the Neo-Assyrian Empire, that Nineveh reached
10:59its zenith.
11:01The city's cultural and architectural expansion began in earnest during the reign of Ashurnasirpal
11:05II in 9th century BC.
11:08Ashurnasirpal II and his successors embarked on an extensive building project, constructing
11:13new temples and palaces and refurbishing older structures.
11:17However, it was during the reign of Senasharib, Ashurnasirpal's descendant, that Nineveh
11:22truly flourished.
11:23Senasharib made Nineveh the new capital of the Assyrian Empire, initiating a series of
11:28ambitious construction projects.
11:30These building activities included the creation of new streets and squares, the fortification
11:35of the city walls, and the construction of a grand palace, known as the Palace Without
11:39Rival.
11:40The king's building program was meticulously documented on a stelae, detailing the grandeur
11:45and scale of his projects.
11:47Under Senasharib's rule, Nineveh's population estimated to have reached between 100,000
11:51to 120,000 people, making it the largest city in the world at that time.
11:578.
11:58MEDOEH, SUDAN Medoeh was a prominent city in the Kingdom
12:02of Kush, with the evidence of a settlement dating back to the early 9th century BC.
12:06By around 300 BC, Medoeh had become the capital kingdom of Kush and retained its status until
12:12the mid-4th century AD.
12:14The close interactions between the Kingdom of Kush and pharaonic Egypt led to the exchange
12:18of cultural practices, including pyramid building.
12:22Although the Kushites briefly controlled Egypt for about a century, they developed distinct
12:26architectural styles for their pyramids.
12:28The pyramids of Medoeh differ significantly from their Egyptian counterparts.
12:33Constructed using large blocks of sandstone, they have a steeper angle and a smaller size.
12:38Despite their smaller dimensions, though, the pyramids of Medoeh are numerous, with
12:41over 200 discovered by archaeologists.
12:44These pyramids are categorized into three main areas, the South Cemetery, the North
12:48Cemetery, and the West Cemetery.
12:50Additional excavations at a site located about 400 miles from Medoeh reveal a dense field
12:55of miniature pyramids, suggesting that the practice of pyramid building extended from
12:59the royals to the provincial elites.
13:02The Kushites, like the Egyptians, believed in an afterlife that was a more perfect version
13:07of earthly life.
13:08As such, they buried their dead with items they would need in the netherworld.
13:12Unfortunately, many tombs here were plundered in ancient times, and the pyramids suffered
13:16further damage in the 19th century due to the actions of the Italian explorer and treasure
13:20hunter Giuseppe Ferlini.
13:23Ferlini demolished the tops of more than 40 pyramids in search of treasure, although
13:27only one pyramid was found to contain any valuable artifacts.
13:30Today, the archaeological significance of these pyramids of Medoeh has secured them
13:35a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List under the Archaeological Sites of the Island of
13:39Medoeh.
13:41Despite this recognition, though, the site does receive far fewer visitors compared to
13:45Giza.
13:47Moving on to number 7, Beijing's Forbidden City.
13:51The Forbidden City of China stands as one of the most influential and ancient cities
13:56the world has ever seen.
13:57This sprawling imperial palace located in the heart of Beijing was the residence of
14:02China's powerful emperors and a center of political power for nearly five centuries.
14:07Spanning an impressive 7,200 acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the largest collection
14:13of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
14:16With over 800 buildings and nearly 9,000 chambers, it remains an example of the sophistication
14:22of Chinese architecture and its history.
14:26Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 AD during the reign of the Ming Dynasty's
14:30Emperor Yongle and was completed in 1420 AD.
14:34It served as the imperial palace and residence for both the Ming and Qing dynasties from
14:38the early 15th until the early 20th century.
14:41This palace complex was off-limits to ordinary Chinese people, hence the name Forbidden City.
14:46Access was highly restricted, even high-ranking officials could only enter certain areas depending
14:51on their rank and status.
14:53This strict control reinforced the emperor's absolute authority and the sanctity of the
14:58residence.
14:59The Forbidden City is divided into two main parts, the Outer Court and the Inner Court.
15:04The Outer was where the emperor held court and conducted business, while the Inner Court
15:08was the private residence of the emperor and his family.
15:11The palace was home to countless works of art and artifacts including paintings, sculptures
15:16and calligraphy, reflecting the cultural and artistic achievements of the Chinese imperial
15:21era.
15:22The Forbidden City was first opened to the public in 1925 following the fall of the Qing
15:26Dynasty in 1911 and the expulsion of the last emperor, Pu Yi, in 1924.
15:31The new government of China decided to transform the palace into a museum, allowing ordinary
15:37citizens and visitors from around the world to glimpse the grandeur of the Chinese imperial
15:41system and the lives of the imperial family.
15:45Since then, the Forbidden City has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions
15:48of people each year.
15:506.
15:51Susa, Iran Susa, also known as Shushan, is an ancient
15:57city located in the Lower Zagros Mountains, around 160 miles east of the Tigris River
16:02and between Karké and Dez Rivers in modern-day Iran.
16:06This city, with its rich history, stands apart from other ancient cities due to its multifaceted
16:12heritage and its prominent role in various historical narratives.
16:16Susa was a prominent city in several ancient empires, including the Elamite, Persian, and
16:20Parthian Empires.
16:22The city's name, Shushan, derives from the Persian word shush and the Hebrew variant
16:27is shushan.
16:28It is believed that the name may have come from shushana, a type of water lily that grew
16:33in the nearby lakes and swamps.
16:35Susa was a center for the worship of Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love, fertility, and
16:40warfare.
16:41Inanna was the winter residence of Persian kings after being captured by Cyrus the Great.
16:46Excavations here have revealed evidence of occupation dating back to 4200 BC.
16:51Artifacts discovered at the site include carved cylinder seals, jewelry, clay balls, and clay
16:56tablets with cuneiform inscriptions that record business transactions, political history,
17:00and mathematical calculations.
17:02Susa is notably mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the story of Esther.
17:06In this story, Haman the Agagite planned to annihilate the Jews of Persia, but Esther,
17:11by persuading her husband, King Ahasuerus of Persia, outwitted him, thus sabotaging
17:16Haman's plan.
17:18This episode is commemorated annually in the Jewish Purim festival, marked with costumes,
17:23parties, and celebrations.
17:24The city is also mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and Daniel, who lived there during
17:28the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century.
17:31A tomb known as Shus Daniel is believed to be that of the prophet Daniel, capped by an
17:35unusual white cone, thought by some to be a former stone star of David.
17:415.
17:42Chichen Itza Chichen Itza is a magnificent pre-Columbian
17:47city built by the Maya people during the Terminal Classical period.
17:51Located in Tinim Municipality, Yucatan State in Mexico, Chichen Itza stands as one of the
17:56most fantastic ancient sites the world has ever known.
17:59It was a major focal point in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classical through
18:03the Terminal Classic and into the early portion of the Post-Classical period.
18:08It was one of the largest Maya cities and likely one of the mythical Great Cities or
18:12Talans mentioned in later Mesoamerican literature.
18:15Chichen Itza thrived as a regional capital, controlling central Yucatan to the north coast
18:20and extending its power along the east and west coast of the peninsula.
18:24The earliest hieroglyphic date discovered at Chichen Itza is equivalent to 832 AD, while
18:29the last known date is recorded in the Asario Temple in 998 AD.
18:33When the Spanish arrived, they found a thriving local population and the Cenote Sagrado, a
18:38large natural sinkhole, remained as a place of pilgrimage.
18:43Post-conquest sources, both Spanish and Maya, indicate that the area continued to hold cultural
18:47and spiritual significance.
18:49Today, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's one of the most visited archaeological
18:54sites in Mexico.
18:55The site's preservation and ongoing archaeological research continue to shed light on the rich
19:00complex history of the Maya civilization.
19:03Number 4.
19:04Babylon, Iraq The ancient city of Babylon, located in modern-day
19:09Iraq, stands as one of the most magnificent and revered cities in history.
19:14Its origins date back to the 3rd millennium BC, where it was a small port town on the
19:18Euphrates River, part of the Akkadian Empire.
19:21Over time, Babylon evolved into a crucial center of ancient Mesopotamia, renowned for
19:25its cultural, architectural, and administrative achievements.
19:29Babylon's rise to prominence began in earnest during the 18th century BC under the rule
19:33of Amorite King Hammurabi, who reigned from 1792 to 1750 BC.
19:39As the sixth ruler of the First Dynasty of Babylon, Hammurabi expanded the city-state
19:44into a major regional power by conquering surrounding city-states such as Elam, Larsa,
19:50Eshunna, and Mari.
19:51His conquests were part of a sacred mission to spread civilization, which he documented
19:56in his writings.
19:57Under Hammurabi's leadership, Babylon became a dominant force in Mesopotamia, uniting the
20:02region under its rule.
20:04The city's true renaissance came under Nebuchadnezzar II, who transformed Babylon into the largest
20:10city in the world at the time, covering about four square miles.
20:14Nebuchadnezzar's extensive rebuilding projects included the construction of the Esagilah,
20:19the Great Temple of Marduk, and the Etemenaki, the towering ziggurat famously known as the
20:24Tower of Babel.
20:26The ziggurat's base, measured 300 feet on each side, and its seven stages culminated
20:31in a blue-glazed temple, symbolizing Babylon's grandeur.
20:36Babylon extended beyond its monumental structures.
20:38The city was a center of art, culture, and scholarship, attracting scholars, artists,
20:43and traders from across the ancient world.
20:46The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are believed
20:50to have been constructed during Nebuchadnezzar's reign, showcasing the city's engineering
20:55prowess.
20:56The fall of Babylon marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
20:59The city was captured by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, an event recorded
21:04by various ancient historians, though with some inconsistencies.
21:09Despite its decline, though, Babylon's legacy endured, influencing subsequent civilizations
21:14and remaining a symbol of ancient cultural and architectural achievements.
21:183.
21:19Persepolis, Iran Persepolis, an ancient capital of the Camanid
21:24dynasty of Persia, stands as an example of the architectural brilliance of one of history's
21:29most illustrious empires.
21:32Located in a remote and mountainous region, Persepolis was founded by Darius I, who chose
21:36the site to replace Parsargade, the burial place of Cyrus the Great.
21:41With a remote location, and primarily being a springtime royal residence, Persepolis emerged
21:46as a symbol of the empire's wealth and power.
21:49The city's strategic placement, coupled with its elaborate design, showcased the empire's
21:54sophistication.
21:55Although Persepolis was not an administrative hub, that role was played by cities like Susa,
21:59Babylon, and Ecbatana.
22:01It was the ceremonial heart of the empire, where grand celebrations and significant events
22:05took place.
22:06Persepolis became known to the Greeks only after Alexander the Great's invasion in 330
22:11BC.
22:12During this conquest, Alexander plundered the city and burned the palaces of Xerxes
22:15as a retaliatory act for Xerxes' invasion of Greece over a century earlier.
22:20Despite the destruction, the city's remnants continue to hold significant historical and
22:25cultural value.
22:26By 316 BC, Persepolis was the capital under the Macedonian Empire, though it gradually
22:31declined under the Seleucid kingdom.
22:34One of the most remarkable archaeological finds at Persepolis includes two sets of gold
22:38and silver plates discovered in 1933, recording the boundaries of the Persian Empire in three
22:44forms of cuneiform – ancient Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian.
22:49These inscriptions, along with others attributed to Darius I, Xerxes I, and Artaxerxes III,
22:55provide invaluable insights into the city's history and the rulers who shaped its destiny.
23:00Darius' famous prayer inscribed on the south retaining wall encapsulates his vision – God
23:05protect this country from foe, famine, and falsehood.
23:102.
23:11Thebes, Egypt The ancient city of Thebes, one of the major
23:15Greek city-states and a formidable rival of Athens, has a rich and storied history that
23:20stretches back to the third millennium BC.
23:23According to Greek mythology, Thebes was founded by the hero Cadmus, who, with the help of
23:27five fearsome warriors known as the Spartoi, built the city's ancient citadel, the Cadmeum.
23:33This legendary foundation set the stage for Thebes to become one of the leading city-states
23:38of ancient Greece, thriving through various periods despite its eventual conquest by the
23:43Macedonians and later by the Romans.
23:46During the 6th century BC, Thebes established itself as a central power within the Boeotian
23:50League, an alliance of foreign states, and by the following century, it dominated the
23:55league.
23:56During the Greco-Persian Wars, Thebes sided with the Persians, partly due to its conflict
24:00with Athens.
24:01This rivalry continued into the Peloponnesian War, where Thebes allied with Sparta against
24:06Athens.
24:07Though Thebes experienced a setback with the disbandment of the Boeotian League in 386
24:12BC and the occupation of Cadmeum in 382 BC, the city quickly regained its prominence.
24:18The turning point for Thebes came after 379 BC, when the city revolted and reorganized
24:23the Boeotian League along democratic lines.
24:26The Thebans, under brilliant general Epaminondas, achieved significant victories over the Spartans
24:31at Tagira in 375 BC and at Leuctra in 371 BC.
24:37With his leadership led to Thebian dominance of the Peloponnesus, culminating in the decisive
24:41Battle of Mantinea in 362 BC.
24:45Although Thebes emerged victorious, the death of the general during this battle dealt a
24:48severe blow to the city's military strength.
24:51With both Thebes and Sparta weakened, the Macedonians, led by Philip II, seized the
24:56opportunity to assert their dominance over Greece.
24:59However, by 338 BC, the Macedonians had decisively defeated Thebes and its allies at the Battle
25:05of Charoneum, marking the end of Theban independence.
25:08While despite its decline, Thebes experienced periods of prosperity during the Byzantine
25:12and Frankish periods, becoming known for its silk weaving industry.
25:16However, during the Ottoman occupation between 1435 and 1829, Thebes again fell into decline,
25:22becoming a poor village.
25:24Today, this ancient city's classical past is largely in ruins, with only the remnants
25:28of Kadmea still standing.
25:30The city's museum, established in 1905 and expanded in 2007, houses the archaeological
25:36finds from the area, offering a glimpse into the city's illustrious past.
25:411.
25:42Alexandria, Egypt The lost city of Heracleion, once the largest
25:47port in Egypt, was miraculously discovered underwater after more than 2,000 years in
25:53the year 2000.
25:55Its origins trace back to as early as the 12th century BC, linking it deeply to ancient
26:00Greece.
26:01Heracleion, also known by its Egyptian name Thonis or Thonis-Heracleion, thrived in the
26:06waning days of the pharaohs.
26:08However, over time, the city was devastated by a series of natural disasters, including
26:12earthquakes, tsunamis, and rising sea levels.
26:16Archaeologists believe that a severe flood in the late 2nd century BC led to the buildings
26:20of Heracleion collapsing into the water.
26:23While some inhabitants remained in the ruins during the Roman era and the beginning of
26:26Arab rule, by the end of the 8th century AD, the rest of Heracleion had sunk beneath the
26:31Med.
26:32Located some 19 miles northeast of Alexandria, the city was a major trading port and the
26:37primary hub for international trade and tax collection during the late period of ancient
26:41Egypt.
26:42During the city's zenith between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, the Grand Temple dedicated
26:47to Amun-Gerib, Egypt's supreme god, stood at the city's heart.
26:52Among the remarkable underwater finds, archaeologists discovered a colossal 18-foot statue of Hapi,
26:58the god of the Nile's inundation.
27:00This statue, dating back to the 4th century BC, was one of three enormous red granite
27:04sculptures unearthed.
27:06In 2001, the team also found an ancient stelae commissioned by Nactanebo I between 378 and
27:12362 BC with detailed and clearly readable inscriptions.
27:17Built on the Nile Delta, Heracleion was crisscrossed by an extensive network of canals and was
27:23renowned for its beauty, earning the nickname Venice of the Nile.
27:27At one point, it was the largest port in the Mediterranean, however, the city gradually
27:30declined in importance and slipped into the sea during the second half of the 8th century
27:35AD.
27:36The rediscovery of Heracleion has ignited curiosity and speculation about the existence
27:41of other mythical cities.
27:43If a city once believed to be a myth can be uncovered from the depths of the sea, who
27:48knows what other legendary sunken cities might still be waiting to be found.
27:52The story of Heracleion is an example of the enduring mystery and allure of ancient civilizations,
27:58and it leaves us wondering what other secrets lie hidden beneath those waves.
28:03Thanks for staying with me everyone, I'll see you next time.
28:06Thank you to our channel members.