10 Most Mysterious Civilizations

For almost as long as we've had civilization, we've lost it. There are records going back hundreds of years of explorers discovering huge temples encrusted with jungle, or giant pits full of treasure that were once grand palaces.

Why did people abandon these once-thriving cities, agricultural centers, and trade routes? Often, the answer is unknown. Here are ten great civilizations whose demise remains a mystery.



10.The Olmec People
Mexico, -1775 to 400

9. The Nabateans
Jordan, 1420 to 638

8. The Moche Civilization
Peru, 100 AD to 800 AD

7.The Mycenaeans
Greece, 1600 to 1100 BC

6. The Khmer Empire
Cambodia, 802 AD to 1350 AD

5. Indus Valley Civilization
Pakistan, 3300 to 1300 BCE

4. The Mayans
2000 BC to 250 AD

3.The Minoans
2700 to 1450 BC

2.The Anasazi
Mexico, 1500 BC to 1300 AD

1. The Lost City of Dwaraka
India, -32000 BC to -9000 BC