History is filled with the stories of powerful civilizations that ruled for a time, but were later swept into the dustbin of history. But archaeologists are determined to find out how and why cultures like the Mayans and the Olmec fell. Both are featured on today’s list of 11 Ancient Civilizations that Mysteriously Vanished!
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#5 The Khmer Empire
This was once one of the most powerful empires in all of Southeast Asia. Located in present day Cambodia, The Khmer might be best known for building the capital city of Angkor. Their great power and wealth are epitomized with Angkor Wat and Bayon -- which illustrate their achievements in art, culture and architecture. They weren’t lacking in military might either … as they fought many wars against rival empires like the Annamese (an-uh-MEEZ). Identified as Hindu-Buddhists, they were obviously open to several systems of belief. Most experts agree that the empire lasted from around 802 AD until the 15th century. But between the 11th and 13th century, it’s now believed that Angkor was the world’s largest pre-industrial urban center. It’s thought that the empire’s decline might be attributed to several factors … including religious factors that affected social systems. Internal power struggles, along with foreign invasion, plague and ecological breakdown are among other factors cited.
#4 The Indus Valley Civilization
Also identified as the Harappan (huh-RAP-uhn) Civilization, it was the largest of the Old World’s three early civilizations which included Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. At its apex, a population of some five million flourished along the Indus River Basin from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE … but some sources claim that the region, located from Afghanistan to India, may have been settled as early as 7000 BCE! The Bronze Age inhabitants built more than a hundred villages and towns, all of which featured intricate plumbing systems and indoor toilets. Not much is known about the Harappan because their language has never been fully deciphered. But experts have found evidence that they were skilled astronomers and farmers, and were among the first civilizations to domesticate cattle and elephants. Why did they vanish? Some theories include environmental changes such as aridification depleted the water supply and pushed the inhabitants to the east. It’s also possible that they were invaded by the Aryans, an Indo-European tribe from Central Asia.
#3 The Nabateans
If you’re familiar with the ancient city of Petra, chances are that you know it was carved out of the cliffs of Jordan by the Nabateans. The amazing city served as their capital, and it enjoyed a prime location along major commercial trading routes. Much of their wealth was accrued through the trade of silk, ivory, spices, precious metals and gems. In contrast to other societies of their era, the Nabateans never instituted slavery, and all members in the society contributed to the greater good. By the 4th century AD, however, it appears that the Nabateans abandoned Petra … and there’s still no definitive answer why. A widely accepted theory is that when trade routes moved north, it was impossible to sustain their civilization, so the Nabateans had to leave their capital city behind.
#2 The Aksumite Empire
From around 100 AD to 940 AD, this civilization was located in modern day Eritrea and Ethiopia. In its time it became a major factor along the trade routes from the Roman Empire to Ancient India. This allowed the empire to grow extremely wealthy. They became the first African culture to mint its own currency, which was a significant sign of greatness. The ancient Aksumites were known for constructing monumental columns known as ‘stelae’ (STEE-luh), which served as grave markers for their nobility. One such obelisk stands some 90 feet high and is the world’s largest such construct. What led to their decline? The rise of the Islamic Empire is thought to have isolated Aksum economically. Pagan tribes from the south may have invaded and defeated the Aksumite empire. Climate changes and over farming that led to starvation could have been factors as well. Did you know that some sources claim the empire was the home of the Queen of Sheba … and might even hold the Ark of the Covenant.
