Throughout the course of human history, remarkable societies have been established, thrived, and ultimately declined. Many of these have been extensively chronicled by historians, allowing later generations to trace their rise and fall. Yet, some appear to have vanished abruptly. Some cultures left behind hints about the reasons for their downfall, while the disappearance of others continues to perplex researchers. Here are a few of these enigmatic vanished civilizations.
The Maya
At its peak, the Maya civilization spanned the Yucatán Peninsula, modern-day Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Mexico, making it one of the most influential cultures of its era. The Maya showcased impressive engineering prowess and utilized intricate mathematical systems. However, the civilization seemed unable to maintain its stability, undergoing a significant decline around 900 CE. Archaeologists now theorize that the Maya succumbed to prolonged conflict combined with climate shifts that led to widespread famine, prompting a mass departure from their major urban centers. The overexploitation of the countryside, which likely depleted essential resources, may have also contributed to their downfall.
The Khmer empire
On the other side of the globe, the Khmer empire expanded across present-day Cambodia. Angkor, one of the civilization’s most prominent cities, featured an extensive network of roads and canals and boasted a population estimated at up to one million people. The Khmer empire flourished between 1000 and 1200 CE, but the reasons for its decline remain uncertain, leaving its cities to be reclaimed by the encroaching jungle. Hypotheses range from conflict to environmental disaster.
The Indus civilization
The Indus civilization, also referred to as the Harappan civilization, was among the largest in ancient history, spanning regions of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and supporting a population of up to five million people. At its peak, the civilization showcased some of the world’s most remarkable architecture, alongside other significant accomplishments. It vanished roughly 3,000 years ago for reasons that remain unclear. One hypothesis proposes that it succumbed to environmental changes that led to prolonged drought and food shortages.
Easter Island
Renowned for the colossal stone heads that dot its shores, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) was inhabited by a flourishing Polynesian society that settled the island around 700 CE. Its people were expert seafarers and exhibited advanced skills in various areas. Some theorize that depleted natural resources contributed to the society’s downfall. Illness and additional factors may have also played a significant part.
Çatalhöyük
Present-day south-central Turkey was once the site of one of the world’s earliest urban centers: Çatalhöyük. It belonged to a vast civilization that thrived between 9,000 and 7,000 years ago before vanishing abruptly. What set Çatalhöyük apart was its unique, hivelike design—homes were built closely together, with entry points located on the roofs, accessible via ladders and elevated pathways. Although its inhabitants disappeared long ago, they left behind a rich collection of artifacts that shed light on their lives and customs.
The Mississippians
From around 700 CE until European contact and colonization, much of the American Southeast and mid-continent was home to an agricultural society known as the Mississippians. One of their most prominent urban centers, Cahokia, was situated near present-day Collinsville, Illinois. Spanning an estimated six square miles, Cahokia included an expansive central plaza, large earthen mounds, and wooden structures resembling Stonehenge, which were used for astronomical observations. Estimates suggest Cahokia’s population reached 40,000, with many residing in nearby villages outside the city. As with other vanished societies, the precise cause of the Mississippians’ decline remains uncertain. Leading theories propose that environmental degradation, famine, or disease linked to unsanitary conditions contributed to their gradual downfall.