Ancient Cities

Machu Picchu was designed to work in harmony with its natural setting and to take advantage of its surrounding geography. Still, despite its brilliant design, the city was only inhabited for about 100 years. Find out more in Machu Picchu, an Ancient Cities title.

Ever since the rediscovery of Petra in 1812, the city has captured the imagination of people all around the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to Petra to see the incredible buildings carved into its rocks. Find out more in Petra, an Ancient Cities title.

At about noon on August 24, 79 ad, Italy's Mount Vesuvius began to erupt, shooting ash, stone, and poisonous gases into the air. The people of Pompeii were caught by surprise. They had not known the mountain overlooking their city was actually a volcano. Find out more in Pompeii, an Ancient Cities title.

Built by a civilization that lived more than 4,000 years ago, the Pyramids of Giza are some of the best-known symbols of ancient Egypt. They are part of a larger complex known as the Giza Necropolis. The word necropolis translates to "city of the dead." Find out more in Giza Necropolis, an Ancient Cities title.