Lost Civilizations That Were NEVER Meant To Be Found

The podcast explores a variety of lost civilizations, many of which thrived in desert environments or were later hidden by dense jungles. The presentation highlights the remarkable achievements of these cultures, including advanced architecture, engineering, and resource management, and examines the often-mysterious circumstances of their decline and rediscovery by modern archaeologists.

Ancient Maya City

• 00:11:18 Valeriana, a Maya city in Mexico, was recently rediscovered hidden beneath jungle vegetation. It challenges the notion that the tropics were unsuitable for sophisticated civilizations, revealing a complex urban layout with pyramids and causeways. It demonstrates the potential for more such discoveries in the region.

El Mirador

• 00:12:59 El Mirador, an ancient Maya city in Guatemala, was lost for nearly 2,000 years and housed around 200,000 people. It features monumental structures like the La Danta pyramid, showcasing a sophisticated society that existed earlier than previously thought. It was rediscovered and has reshaped our understanding of Maya history.

Angamuco

• 00:14:00 Angamuco, an ancient city in Mexico, was built by the Purépecha civilization. It was concealed by vegetation until 2007 and its full extent was revealed through lidar in 2011. Its urban planning differs from other Mesoamerican cities, with structures spread evenly, challenging our understanding of ancient urban development.

Koh Ker

• 00:15:42 Koh Ker, in Cambodia, was the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 C.E. It was swallowed by the jungle until rediscovered by French explorers in the late 19th century. The city is notable for its seven-tiered pyramid and intricate stone sculptures, providing insights into the culture and art of the era.

Calakmul

• 00:16:50 Calakmul, an ancient Maya city in Mexico, was a dominant force in the Maya world until its decline around the 10th century C.E. It was rediscovered in 1931 by Cyrus L. Lundell. Archaeologists have unearthed over 6,000 structures, including some of the tallest Mayan pyramids, shedding light on Maya politics, warfare, and city-state dynamics.