The city of Termessos in Türkiye was left deserted after the earthquake, the Italian city of Baia was submerged, and Pripyat in Ukraine was uninhabited after the Chernobyl disaster.
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| Following the horrific nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986, at reactor number 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the Soviet Union evacuated all residents living in nearby areas, including the beautiful Ukrainian city of Pripyat. Twenty years later, it has become a ghost town, deserted, overgrown with trees, and home to a diverse array of wildlife. |
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| The ancient city of Termessos sits atop a 1,000-meter-high mountain near the southern coast of Türkiye. During its heyday, Termessos was known as an "impregnable" city due to its strategic mountaintop location. It is believed the city was abandoned around 200 AD due to a devastating earthquake that cut off the water supply. Alexander the Great constantly harbored ambitions to conquer the ancient city of Termessos, which he called "The Eagle's Nest." |
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| The Italian city of Baia was once considered the Las Vegas of the Roman Empire. Perched atop volcanic peaks, it was renowned for its healing practices. Some of the most powerful figures of antiquity, such as Nero, Cicero, and Caesar, visited Baia, even establishing resorts there. However, Baia's golden age was short-lived, as the Saracens conquered it in the 8th century. By 1500, the city had fallen into disrepair, with most of its ancient ruins submerged in the shallow waters of a bay near Naples. Today, visitors can take boat trips, dive, or admire the relatively well-preserved underwater architecture and landmarks. |
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| The city of Gedi in Kenya is one of Africa's greatest mysteries to archaeologists. Discovered in the early 13th century, Gedi is situated in an area of the Indian Ocean, deep within a dense jungle. Having been abandoned for centuries, today only a palace, an impressive mosque, and houses made of brick and coral remain. Archaeologists excavated the site in 1948. The entire area is now protected as a national park in Kenya. |
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| The Turkish city of Ani was once home to 200,000 people. Ani became deserted 500 years ago after armies invaded, massacring, looting, and burning everything. Now, its ruins, mostly churches, are both eerie and beautiful, despite being nearly 1,000 years old. Ani was once listed among the 100 most endangered sites by the World Heritage Fund. |
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| Once one of the world's largest port cities and a gateway to Egypt, Heracleion sank beneath the Mediterranean Sea more than 2,200 years ago. It wasn't until 200 AD that a French archaeologist discovered it off the coast of Egypt. The ruins of Heracleion include statues nearly 5 meters tall, small sarcophagi containing animal remains, and a large temple. |
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| Nan Madol is a ruined ancient city that has survived. Located off the eastern coast of Pohnpie Island, it was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty and is now one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. Founded approximately 800 years ago, after a period of rule over Nan Madol, the Nahnmwarki people did not remain there for long, moving to a nearby area due to difficulties in transporting fresh water and food. The city has been deserted ever since. |
According to Zing/Photo: Getty Images
