How Civilizations Built on Top of Each Other: Discover What Lies Beneath Rome, Troy & Other Cities
Briefly

The article explores the fascinating concept of ancient cities being buried beneath the earth, highlighting that many such sites, like the Roman Forum and Troy, have layers of structures hidden from view. This physical accumulation occurs due to various factors, including disasters which necessitate rebuilding over rubble rather than removing it. Troy itself showcases how civilizations have continuously settled on the same site for millennia. Some modern cities, like Shanghai, still experience similar growth patterns, underscoring the ongoing relevance of this historical phenomenon.
When archaeologists started digging under the Roman Forum, they uncovered an entire world of ruins deep underground that hadn't been seen for centuries.
After the great fire of Rome in the first century, most of the city had to be rebuilt. But instead of clearing away the rubble, it was quicker and easier to simply flatten it out and build on top.
In the case of Troy, nine civilizations grew and dissolved on the very same mound, going from the Persians to Alexander the Great, and eventually the Romans.
Archaeological digs serve as journeys back in time, revealing layers of history that reflect the continuous reinvention of urban landscapes.
Read at Open Culture
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