7 Cities Under Water By Eyestar7

1. Cahokia - Located in present-day Illinois, USA, Cahokia was a pre-Columbian Native American city with a population estimated to be around 10,000-20,000 people. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the remains of the ancient city, including mounds and earthworks.

2. Tenochtitlan - The capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan was situated in what is now Mexico City, Mexico. The city was built on an island in Lake Texcoco and was a major cultural and political center. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the city was destroyed, and Mexico City was built on top of the ruins.

3. Machu Picchu - Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu was an ancient Inca city built in the 15th century. It was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and remained hidden until its rediscovery in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Palenque - Situated in the Chiapas state of Mexico, Palenque was a Mayan city that flourished during the Classic period. It was known for its impressive architecture and intricate stone carvings. The city was abandoned and eventually covered by the jungle, but its ruins have been excavated and are now a significant archaeological site.

5. Chaco Canyon - Located in present-day New Mexico, USA, Chaco Canyon was a major cultural and ceremonial center for the ancient Puebloan people. It had complex architecture and a well-developed road system. The site was abandoned around the 13th century, and today it is a national historical park managed by the National Park Service.

6. Tikal - Situated in modern-day Guatemala, Tikal was one of the largest Mayan cities and a prominent political and cultural hub. It reached its peak during the Classic period and was eventually abandoned. Today, the ruins of Tikal are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.

7. Angkor - Located in present-day Cambodia, Angkor was the capital city of the Khmer Empire and one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world. It thrived from the 9th to the 15th century. The city was gradually abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until its rediscovery in the 19th century. Today, the ruins of Angkor, including the famous Angkor Wat temple, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is important to note that while these cities were abandoned or destroyed, many indigenous cultures and communities still exist in the regions where they were once located. These communities continue to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions in various ways.