--- title: Incredible Lost Cities of Myth description: "Among the many enigmas of our world, few have captured our attention, imagination, and ambition quite like lost cities. While a number of these ancient sites have been uncovered, some of which we've discussed previously on this very channel, many others remain hidden, buried beneath thousands of years of sediment, desert sands, or deep ocean waters. And yet, there are even more that likely never existed at all.\n\nOf all the legendary lost cities: Atlantis, Camelot, and so on, most are probably nothing more than the imaginative creations of great storytellers. A fact that seems to have eluded many explorers who've dedicated themselves to searching for them. So, today, we're diving into the 10 most incredible lost cities of myth, places that have fascinated treasure hunters, amateur archaeologists, and even seasoned professionals alike.\n\n## Atlantis\n\nFirst described by Plato in his dialogues *Timaeus* and *Critias* around 360 BC, Atlantis is perhaps the most famous lost city in history. According to these accounts, it laid beyond the Pillars of Heracles, the modern-day Strait of Gibraltar, and served as the capital of a powerful island civilization in the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlanteans, said to hail from an island larger than both Asia Minor and Libya combined, built a vast empire through advanced technology and military strength. They dominated much of the Mediterranean world, conquering land after land, until they were ultimately defeated by a coalition led by Athens, supposedly around 9600 BC.\n\nThe city itself was described as opulent, adorned with magnificent architecture. Over time, various sources added their own interpretations and embellishments to the legend of Atlantis and its people. Following their defeat, the gods, angered by the Atlanteans' moral decay and impiety, supposedly punished them by sinking the island into the sea, city and all. While many in Plato's time, and throughout much of history, regarded the story as a moral allegory rather than literal fact, others have taken it as historical truth. Believers in the existence of Atlantis have proposed numerous theories about its origin. Some suggest it was based on the Minoan civilization; others link it to a catastrophic flood in the Black Sea around 5600 BC. One of the more unusual, and less likely, theories posits that massive continental shifts pushed the lost city southward, transforming it into what we now know as Antarctica.\n\n## Shangri-La\n\nWhile the name Shangri-La conjures up images of ancient wisdom and timeless mysticism, many may be surprised to learn that it's actually a relatively modern invention, less than a century old. The city first appeared in James Hilton's 1933 novel *Lost Horizon*, in which a group of plane crash survivors discover a hidden, harmonious valley called the Blue Moon, nestled at the western edge of Tibet's Kunlun Mountains. There, they encounter Shangri-La, a utopian city of lamaseries, or monasteries inhabited by Buddhist lamas.\n\nIn this mystical refuge, all the world's cultural treasures and human wisdom are said to be safeguarded against an impending global catastrophe. The city's inhabitants, primarily enlightened lamas, were described as aging far more slowly than ordinary people, living for centuries as they tended the city's vast libraries and spiritual sanctuaries.\n\nHilton claimed he was inspired by the travel writings of two 19th-century French Catholic priests who had journeyed through Tibet. That claim of authenticity sparked a wave of real-world expeditions seeking Shangri-La, or at least the place that may have inspired it. Among those efforts were BBC's *In Search of Myth and Heroes* and the Travel Channel's *Expedition Unknown*.\n\nYet the clearest and most likely inspiration for Shangri-La is the Tibetan Buddhist myth of Shambala, another hidden paradise said to preserve all human wisdom, though it was believed to lie deep within the Himalayas rather than the Kunlun range. Regardless of its fictional origins, Shangri-La has, over time, become virtually synonymous with the idea of a physical and spiritual utopia, perhaps even more so than Shambala itself.\n\n## Iram of the Pillars\n\nIn the 89th chapter of the Qur'an, Surah Al-Fajr, it is stated:\n\n> \"Did you not see how your Lord dealt with 'Ad—the people of Iram—with their great stature, unmatched in any other land?\"\n\nWhile this is the only direct mention of Iram of the Pillars in the Qur'an, the legend surrounding the city has captivated imaginations for centuries, inspiring countless works of literature and media. In Islamic tradition, the people of 'Ad were descendants of Noah, spreading across what is now modern-day Oman and Yemen, known then as Ahqaf. The 'Ad established several settlements throughout this region, with Iram of the Pillars being the most notable among them.\n\nAccording to the stories, Iram flourished, becoming a city of grand architecture, its skyline dotted with towering buildings, luxurious mansions, and impressive monuments. However, as the city's power and prosperity grew, so too did the arrogance and corruption of its inhabitants. They abandoned monotheism and began worshipping false idols. In response, Allah sent the Prophet Sayyidna Hud, a relative of the people of 'Ad, to guide them back to righteousness and warn them of impending divine punishment. His warnings, however, were ignored. As a consequence, Allah unleashed a violent windstorm that raged for seven nights and eight days, burying the city beneath the sands.\n\nBy the 10th century, the tale of Iram had expanded and the city was now described as being made of gold and silver, with pillars of rubies and emeralds, and palaces adorned with pearl-studded windows and facades. Eventually, these legends made their way to Europe. In 1704, French orientalist Antoine Galland published his translation of a collection of Arabian folktales under the title *One Thousand and One Nights*. By then, Iram had evolved into a fantastical city of a thousand palaces, each supported by a thousand pillars, surrounding a colossal fortress said to have taken 300 years to construct.\n\nIn the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fascination with the lost city grew, capturing the imagination of adventurers and scholars alike, including T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who famously referred to it as the \"Atlantis of the Sands.\" As a result, multiple expeditions were launched to uncover its location, and various theories emerged. Some speculated that Iram was the fabled city of Ubar, while others proposed sites such as Damascus or different desert settlements. In 1975, a significant archaeological discovery was made at the ancient city of Ebla in modern-day Syria. Thousands of cuneiform tablets were unearthed, some of which referenced trade with a neighboring entity known as Iram. While this provides evidence that Iram may indeed have been a real city in the ancient world, it likely bore little resemblance to the extravagant, mythical metropolis portrayed in works of fiction, such as the 2011 video game *Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception*.\n\n## Greater Kitezh\n\nAt this point in the video, it's likely becoming clear that nearly every culture has its own version of Atlantis, and Russia is no exception. In classic folklore, Greater Kitezh was a medieval monastic city said to have been founded by Georgy II, Grand Prince of Vladimir, sometime between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. According to the Old Believers, a religious sect that broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century, Greater Kitezh was a serene city filled with cathedrals, monasteries, and sacred treasures. It was located on the shores of Lake Svetloyar, though its exact location remained a closely guarded secret. As a peaceful spiritual center, it relied on the nearby Lesser Kitezh, also founded by Georgy II, for protection in times of danger.\n\nThat danger came in the 13th century with the arrival of the Golden Horde. In the 1230s, under the leadership of Batu Khan, the Mongols invaded the region, spreading terror among the Rus people. Eventually, Batu Khan learned of Greater Kitezh and its fabled riches, and he directed his forces toward the hidden city. Georgy II attempted to make a stand at Lesser Kitezh, but the Mongols overran it, forcing him to flee into the forest, taking what treasures he could carry. On his way to Greater Kitezh, he ensured the invaders would not seize the city's sacred items by casting them into the lake.\n\nAs the Mongols pursued him along secret forest paths, Georgy reached Greater Kitezh in time to warn its inhabitants. The people turned to prayer, pleading for a divine miracle. According to some legends, the city vanished without a trace before Batu Khan arrived. In other versions, the Mongols reached the city only to witness fountains erupting from the earth, engulfing Greater Kitezh and sinking it beneath the waters of the lake. It is said that Greater Kitezh will reveal itself only to those who are pure of heart and soul, and, when the weather's calm, some still claim to hear the distant sound of choirs and the chiming of bells rising from beneath the surface of Lake Svetloyar.\n\n## Camelot\n\nTo this day, historians continue to debate the origins of the King Arthur legend. While many elements of the tale, such as Merlin, Guinevere, and others, can be traced back to Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century *History of the Kings of Britain*, one iconic location is notably absent: Camelot. The first recorded mention of Arthur's famed city appears shortly after Geoffrey's work, in the 1170s, in Chrétien de Troyes' poem *Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart*. There, Camelot is briefly referenced as Arthur's principal court and the place of his coronation, but little detail is provided.\n\nOver time, medieval literature, poetry, and folklore would elevate Camelot to Arthur's majestic seat of power. Though its depiction varies from story to story, Camelot is most often imagined as a grand walled castle-city, nestled along a river, with a towering central castle. Surrounding it is a peaceful, prosperous utopia where even the peasantry lives in comfort. The surrounding countryside is typically described as lush and fertile, with dense forests and open meadows ideal for farming and hunting.\n\nWithin the castle, nearly every version includes the legendary Round Table, where Arthur and his knights gathered as equals, a symbol of unity and fairness. In the Christianized Vulgate Cycle, Camelot was originally portrayed as a Pagan city, until it was converted to Christianity by Joseph of Arimathea, who also founded the Church of St. Stephen the Martyr. In these accounts, Camelot evolves into the ideal Christian kingdom, inspiring the construction of numerous smaller churches throughout the land.\n\nIn most retellings, Camelot's fall follows the infamous affair between Guinevere and Lancelot, Mordred's betrayal, and Arthur's death. Weakened and leaderless, the city becomes vulnerable. King Mark of Cornwall seizes the opportunity and launches an invasion, ultimately leading to Camelot's destruction. In more recent years, scholars and enthusiasts have attempted to find historical or geographical roots for Camelot. Proposed locations include Caerleon in South Wales and Tintagel in Cornwall, also claimed as Arthur's birthplace. Still, it's widely believed that Camelot was a later addition to the legend, a fictional creation meant to provide Arthur with a kingdom as extraordinary as his deeds.\n\n## El Dorado\n\nIn the early 16th century, conquistadors making their way through South America began to hear local legends of a mysterious tribe hidden high in the Andes Mountains, in what is now modern-day Colombia. According to these tales, whenever a new chief rose to power, the tribe would perform a sacred ceremony at Lake Guatavita. During the ritual, the chief would be covered from head to toe in gold dust while his people threw gold and jewels into the lake as offerings to a god believed to dwell beneath its surface. The Spanish dubbed this golden chief \"El Dorado,\" or \"The Gilded One.\" Despite locals insisting that the tribe had been overtaken by rivals a century earlier, fascination with the legend quickly spread. By 1541, the myth had already evolved from a gilded man to a king who constantly wore gold, and eventually into a grand city made entirely of gold.\n\nBy 1545, Spanish explorers were so captivated by the legend that they began launching expeditions to find El Dorado. When they arrived at Lake Guatavita, they attempted to drain it. Although they weren't entirely successful, they managed to expose part of the lake's edge, uncovering hundreds of gold objects and other valuables, lending credibility to the growing legend. In the years that followed, other conquistadors continued the search, most notably Gonzalo Pizarro. He brutally tortured local inhabitants in pursuit of information, many of whom likely fabricated stories just to make the suffering stop. Ultimately, Pizarro and his expedition found nothing but starvation and an unforgiving rainforest.\n\nIn the early 17th century, Sir Walter Raleigh also became obsessed with the legend. Convinced of its authenticity, he launched two expeditions to find the golden city. His second venture proved disastrous though when his son was killed in a skirmish with the Spanish. Raleigh had been under strict orders to avoid conflict with the Spanish, and his disobedience, along with other infractions, led to his own execution upon returning to England. While many mythical lost cities take centuries to take shape in the human imagination, the promise of unimaginable wealth accelerated the legend of El Dorado from infancy to antiquity in just a few short decades.\n\n## Ys\n\nIn Breton folklore, Ys was a mythical city said to lie off the coast of Brittany near the town of Douarnenez. It was built by King Gradlon, a pious and noble ruler, who was accompanied by his daughter Dahut, a rebellious, free-spirited, and at times mischievous young woman. Because of Dahut's love for the sea, legend has it that Gradlon constructed Ys below sea level. However, the city was safeguarded by a brilliant network of dikes and an advanced system of sluice gates that allowed ships to enter while protecting it from floods and natural disasters. Though Gradlon lived in a grand palace of marble, cedar, and gold, he was believed to have remained humble and devout. Dahut, however, did not share her father's virtues.\n\nFrom here, the legends diverge, but two elements remain constant: Dahut is the worst and Ys sinks beneath the waves. In one version, Dahut, drunk and toying with her lover, steals the key to the city's water gates from her father. In their recklessness, they open the gates, allowing a monstrous storm to flood the city and bury it beneath the sea. In another version, Ys grows into a commercial metropolis so decadent that it borders on sinful. Saint Guénolé, founder of the first monastery in Brittany at Landévennec, warns the people of their arrogance and the dangers it invites. From there, the story veers into the fantastical, featuring enchanted oak trees, magical fish, and literal demons. Regardless, in the end, the result is the same, and Ys drowns due to divine punishment. In some versions, Dahut is even transformed into a mermaid, cursed to haunt the Bay of Douarnenez for eternity.\n\nOne of the most iconic features of the city was the Great Bell of Ys, a towering cathedral that rang its bell in times of danger. The bell tower was said to be so tall that it guided the righteous King Gradlon and a handful of others to safety during the flood. According to legend, one day Ys will rise again from beneath the sea. And when that day comes, whoever first sees the city or hears the ringing of the Great Bell will be crowned the new king of Ys.\n\n## Zerzura\n\nAccording to Arabic legend, somewhere west of the Nile River, likely in modern-day Egypt or Libya, lies Zerzura, the most perfect desert oasis city in the world. With written accounts dating back as far as the 13th century, the \"Oasis of Little Birds\" captured the imagination of the medieval Arabic world. Survivors would occasionally emerge from the desert with extraordinary tales of a hidden city that had saved them from certain doom.\n\nBy most accounts, Zerzura was a gleaming white city, as pure in color as a dove, ruled by a sleeping king and queen. It was said to be guarded by vigilant black giants and surrounded by tall walls with majestic gates. According to the stories, sculpted birds perched near the gates held keys in their beaks, available for any weary traveler in need. Within the city, opulent homes were reportedly abundant in fresh water, each accompanied by pools, springs, and fountains that flowed freely in the arid landscape.\n\nOver time, these legends reached Europe, most notably through Gardiner Wilkinson, often called the father of British Egyptology. In 1835, Wilkinson heard a tale from a local who claimed to have gotten lost in the desert while searching for his camel. After wandering for days through the scorching sands, the man stumbled upon an oasis surrounded by shady palms, freshwater springs, and striking ancient ruins. He called this place \"Wadi Zerzura,\" a name Wilkinson shared with his European contemporaries, linking the site to the fabled Arabic legend. Inspired by these accounts, a wave of European adventurers set out to find the lost city. Among them was British explorer Ralph Bagnold, who founded the Zerzura Club in 1930 with the express goal of locating the mysterious oasis. Unlike many lost cities throughout history, which often serve as cautionary tales against impiety or hubris, Zerzura offers something different: hope. To those lost in the endless desert, it represents a promise that if they keep moving forward, salvation may yet be found.\n\n## City of the Caesars\n\nAs we saw with the legend of El Dorado, the conquistadors' obsession with finding vast Latin American treasures fueled numerous expeditions in search of indigenous lost cities, and the City of the Caesars was no exception. Also known as the Wandering City, this mythical metropolis was said to lie somewhere in Patagonia, the remote southern region of South America. In some versions of the legend, it was hidden between two mountains, one made of diamonds, the other of gold. Other accounts claimed it existed in a real mountainous location but only revealed itself on rare, mysterious occasions.\n\nAccording to the stories, the city stood beside a vast blue lake, with streets paved in perfect cobblestones, buildings crafted from silver, and homes overflowing with gems, gold, and countless treasures. Its inhabitants were said to be blond-haired, blue-eyed people who spoke an unknown language and wore distinctive three-cornered hats. This led some to speculate they were the survivors of a Spanish shipwreck who went on to establish the city. Others believed the citizens of the City of the Caesars were none other than the legendary Patagonian giants first described by Ferdinand Magellan's chronicler, Antonio Pigafetta.\n\nDespite the name suggesting a Roman connection, and possibly inspiring various conspiracy theories, the city was actually named after Francisco César, a Spanish explorer who, in 1528, broke off from an expedition near Buenos Aires to search for it. In truth, the city was likely a blend of existing local myths and César's own imagination. Still, the legend grew, inspiring others to seek it out, among them Hernando Arias de Saavedra, the former governor of the Rio de la Plata region, who led an expedition in 1604. Perhaps the most fascinating group to take up the search were the Jesuit missionaries of the 17th and 18th centuries. Convinced of the city's existence, they came to believe it might be a literal heaven on Earth and launched multiple expeditions in pursuit of its wonders.\n\n## Agartha\n\nIn 1873, French writer Louis Jacolliot, who had spent time in India and developed a deep fascination with its culture, published *Les Fils du Dieu* (The Sons of God). In the book, Jacolliot described a mystical city called \"Asgartha,\" which he claimed had once served as the ancient capital of India, ruled directly by the gods as their seat of power on Earth. Although he asserted that the city had long since been destroyed, likely when the gods departed the world, he also claimed that its entrance remained hidden deep within the Himalayas. This ambiguity left ample room for future writers to reinterpret and expand on the story.\n\nJacolliot's \"Asgartha\" was an evident fusion of Hindu and Norse mythologies, the name and concept bearing a striking resemblance to Asgard, the celestial realm of Norse gods. However, later occultists, most notably Alexandre Saint-Yves d'Alveydre, would transform the idea into something far more elaborate and distinct: a secret, thriving kingdom known as Agartha.\n\nAccording to these expanded accounts, Agartha is an entire civilization located deep within the Earth's core, never destroyed and still flourishing to this day. From this subterranean realm, it is said to connect all of Earth's continents via a vast network of tunnels, supposedly constructed by a race of ancient, powerful beings known as the Old Ones, entities vastly superior to humans in physical, mental, and spiritual abilities.\n\nIf this sounds familiar, it's because Agartha quickly became entangled with the Hollow Earth Theory, a fringe idea gaining popularity in the late 19th century. Within this framework, Agartha is portrayed as a hidden metropolis filled with enormous libraries, flying vehicles, and technologies far more advanced than anything on the surface. Its population, numbering in the millions, is believed to possess both magical and technological dominance over surface dwellers and is ruled by a mysterious figure known as \"the Master,\" the king of Agartha. Some versions of the legend even tie Agartha to Atlantis, suggesting that it became the final refuge of the Atlanteans after their city sank beneath the sea. In most tellings, Agartha once existed on the surface but retreated underground as the world grew increasingly violent and unstable. Believers claim it will re-emerge once humanity is spiritually and morally prepared to receive it.\n\nIn recent years, thanks in part to viral YouTube videos and fringe internet articles, it has become a widely circulated \"fact\" that President John Quincy Adams even funded an expedition to the South Pole in search of the Hollow Earth and, by extension, Agartha. However, this tale doesn't quite hold up to scrutiny. The discussion in question took place in 1826, decades before Jacolliot introduced the concept of Asgartha. Furthermore, while Adams did support an exploratory mission proposed by Jeremiah N. Reynolds, he only did so after Reynolds agreed to strip the proposal of its more fantastical elements. In truth, the idea that Adams was hunting for Agartha is as mythical as the city itself.\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Many legendary lost cities, like Atlantis and Camelot, are likely fictional creations.\n- The legend of Atlantis was first described by Plato and has inspired numerous theories.\n- El Dorado's legend evolved rapidly from a golden chief to a city of gold within decades.\n- Iram of the Pillars, mentioned in the Qur'an, has been sought by adventurers for centuries.\n- Shangri-La, popularized by James Hilton's novel, is inspired by Tibetan Buddhist myths.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### What is Atlantis and who first described it?\n\nAtlantis is perhaps the most famous lost city in history. It was first described by Plato in his dialogues Timaeus and Critias around 360 BC.\n\n### What is Shangri-La and where was it first mentioned?\n\nShangri-La is a utopian city of lamaseries, or monasteries inhabited by Buddhist lamas. It was first mentioned in James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon.\n\n### What is Iram of the Pillars and where is it mentioned in the Qur'an?\n\nIram of the Pillars is a legendary city mentioned in the 89th chapter of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Fajr. It is described as a city of grand architecture and towering buildings.\n\n### What is Greater Kitezh and what happened to it?\n\nGreater Kitezh was a medieval monastic city said to have been founded by Georgy II, Grand Prince of Vladimir. According to legend, it vanished or sank beneath the waters of Lake Svetloyar to escape the Mongols.\n\n### What is Camelot and when was it first mentioned?\n\nCamelot is the legendary city associated with King Arthur. It was first mentioned in Chrétien de Troyes’ poem Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart in the 1170s.\n\n### What is El Dorado and how did the legend evolve?\n\nEl Dorado started as a legend of a gilded chief in a tribe high in the Andes Mountains. It evolved into a mythical city made entirely of gold, inspiring numerous expeditions by conquistadors.\n\n### What is Ys and what caused its downfall?\n\nYs was a mythical city built below sea level by King Gradlon. Its downfall was caused by the actions of Dahut, Gradlon's daughter, who opened the city's water gates, allowing a storm to flood and bury it beneath the sea.\n\n### What is Zerzura and what does the legend say about it?\n\nZerzura is a legendary desert oasis city said to be guarded by black giants and surrounded by tall walls. It is described as a gleaming white city with opulent homes and abundant fresh water.\n\n### What is the City of the Caesars and where was it supposedly located?\n\nThe City of the Caesars, also known as the Wandering City, was said to lie somewhere in Patagonia. It was described as a city with streets paved in perfect cobblestones and buildings crafted from silver.\n\n### What is Agartha and what is its connection to the Hollow Earth Theory?\n\nAgartha is a legendary subterranean kingdom located deep within the Earth’s core. It is connected to the Hollow Earth Theory, which suggests it is a hidden metropolis with advanced technologies and a population numbering in the millions.\n\n## Sources\n\n- [Original Side Projects video: Incredible Lost Cities of Myth](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKcwj2ZSI8)\n- [https://www.thetravel.com/mythical-places-around-the-world/](https://www.thetravel.com/mythical-places-around-the-world/)\n- [https://theaveragescientist.co.uk/2023/11/05/science-and-the-exploration-of-mythical-cities/#:~:text=Two%20of%20the%20most%20famous,true%20whereabouts%20remain%20a%20mystery](https://theaveragescientist.co.uk/2023/11/05/science-and-the-exploration-of-mythical-cities/#:~:text=Two%20of%20the%20most%20famous,true%20whereabouts%20remain%20a%20mystery)\n- 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[https://www.livescience.com/el-dorado](https://www.livescience.com/el-dorado)\n- [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/el-dorado?loggedin=true&rnd=1749403643759](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/el-dorado?loggedin=true&rnd=1749403643759)\n- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado)\n- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ys)\n- [https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803125227732](https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803125227732)\n- [https://nightbringer.se/the-legend-of-king-arthur/arthurian-locations/y-arthurian-locations/ys/#:~:text=Is%2C%20Ker%2DYs,Morgan%20was%20applied%20to%20her](https://nightbringer.se/the-legend-of-king-arthur/arthurian-locations/y-arthurian-locations/ys/#:~:text=Is%2C%20Ker%2DYs,Morgan%20was%20applied%20to%20her)\n- [https://www.toptenz.net/ancient-places-of-myth-that-might-have-actually-existed.php](https://www.toptenz.net/ancient-places-of-myth-that-might-have-actually-existed.php)\n- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zerzura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zerzura)\n- [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-zerzura/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-zerzura/)\n- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_the_Caesars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_the_Caesars)\n- [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-ciudad-de-los-cesares/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-ciudad-de-los-cesares/)\n- [https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/city-caesars-00161](https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/city-caesars-00161)\n- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agartha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agartha)\n- [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-agartha/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-agartha/)\n- [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/john-quincy-adams-ardent-supporter-exploration-180955203/](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/john-quincy-adams-ardent-supporter-exploration-180955203/)\n\n## Related Coverage" url: https://sideprojects.pub/article/incredible-lost-cities-of-myth.md canonical: https://sideprojects.pub/article/incredible-lost-cities-of-myth datePublished: 2026-06-25 dateModified: 2026-06-25 author: - name: Simon Whistler url: https://sideprojects.pub/author/simon-whistler publisher: Side Projects image: "https://media.sideprojects.pub/cdn-cgi/image/width=1600,height=900,fit=cover,quality=80,format=auto/articles/GyKcwj2ZSI8/hero.jpg" type: NewsArticle contentHash: bfd4bf6307e8f36e8128fcf1aab7bde6b1ea0a20e2a83ea4828dea3cc9b32ac5 tokens: 7887 summaryUrl: https://sideprojects.pub/article/incredible-lost-cities-of-myth.md.summary.md --- Among the many enigmas of our world, few have captured our attention, imagination, and ambition quite like lost cities. While a number of these ancient sites have been uncovered, some of which we've discussed previously on this very channel, many others remain hidden, buried beneath thousands of years of sediment, desert sands, or deep ocean waters. And yet, there are even more that likely never existed at all. Of all the legendary lost cities: Atlantis, Camelot, and so on, most are probably nothing more than the imaginative creations of great storytellers. A fact that seems to have eluded many explorers who've dedicated themselves to searching for them. So, today, we're diving into the 10 most incredible lost cities of myth, places that have fascinated treasure hunters, amateur archaeologists, and even seasoned professionals alike. ## Atlantis First described by Plato in his dialogues *Timaeus* and *Critias* around 360 BC, Atlantis is perhaps the most famous lost city in history. According to these accounts, it laid beyond the Pillars of Heracles, the modern-day Strait of Gibraltar, and served as the capital of a powerful island civilization in the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlanteans, said to hail from an island larger than both Asia Minor and Libya combined, built a vast empire through advanced technology and military strength. They dominated much of the Mediterranean world, conquering land after land, until they were ultimately defeated by a coalition led by Athens, supposedly around 9600 BC. The city itself was described as opulent, adorned with magnificent architecture. Over time, various sources added their own interpretations and embellishments to the legend of Atlantis and its people. Following their defeat, the gods, angered by the Atlanteans' moral decay and impiety, supposedly punished them by sinking the island into the sea, city and all. While many in Plato's time, and throughout much of history, regarded the story as a moral allegory rather than literal fact, others have taken it as historical truth. Believers in the existence of Atlantis have proposed numerous theories about its origin. Some suggest it was based on the Minoan civilization; others link it to a catastrophic flood in the Black Sea around 5600 BC. One of the more unusual, and less likely, theories posits that massive continental shifts pushed the lost city southward, transforming it into what we now know as Antarctica. ## Shangri-La While the name Shangri-La conjures up images of ancient wisdom and timeless mysticism, many may be surprised to learn that it's actually a relatively modern invention, less than a century old. The city first appeared in James Hilton's 1933 novel *Lost Horizon*, in which a group of plane crash survivors discover a hidden, harmonious valley called the Blue Moon, nestled at the western edge of Tibet's Kunlun Mountains. There, they encounter Shangri-La, a utopian city of lamaseries, or monasteries inhabited by Buddhist lamas. In this mystical refuge, all the world's cultural treasures and human wisdom are said to be safeguarded against an impending global catastrophe. The city's inhabitants, primarily enlightened lamas, were described as aging far more slowly than ordinary people, living for centuries as they tended the city's vast libraries and spiritual sanctuaries. Hilton claimed he was inspired by the travel writings of two 19th-century French Catholic priests who had journeyed through Tibet. That claim of authenticity sparked a wave of real-world expeditions seeking Shangri-La, or at least the place that may have inspired it. Among those efforts were BBC's *In Search of Myth and Heroes* and the Travel Channel's *Expedition Unknown*. Yet the clearest and most likely inspiration for Shangri-La is the Tibetan Buddhist myth of Shambala, another hidden paradise said to preserve all human wisdom, though it was believed to lie deep within the Himalayas rather than the Kunlun range. Regardless of its fictional origins, Shangri-La has, over time, become virtually synonymous with the idea of a physical and spiritual utopia, perhaps even more so than Shambala itself. ## Iram of the Pillars In the 89th chapter of the Qur'an, Surah Al-Fajr, it is stated: > "Did you not see how your Lord dealt with 'Ad—the people of Iram—with their great stature, unmatched in any other land?" While this is the only direct mention of Iram of the Pillars in the Qur'an, the legend surrounding the city has captivated imaginations for centuries, inspiring countless works of literature and media. In Islamic tradition, the people of 'Ad were descendants of Noah, spreading across what is now modern-day Oman and Yemen, known then as Ahqaf. The 'Ad established several settlements throughout this region, with Iram of the Pillars being the most notable among them. According to the stories, Iram flourished, becoming a city of grand architecture, its skyline dotted with towering buildings, luxurious mansions, and impressive monuments. However, as the city's power and prosperity grew, so too did the arrogance and corruption of its inhabitants. They abandoned monotheism and began worshipping false idols. In response, Allah sent the Prophet Sayyidna Hud, a relative of the people of 'Ad, to guide them back to righteousness and warn them of impending divine punishment. His warnings, however, were ignored. As a consequence, Allah unleashed a violent windstorm that raged for seven nights and eight days, burying the city beneath the sands. By the 10th century, the tale of Iram had expanded and the city was now described as being made of gold and silver, with pillars of rubies and emeralds, and palaces adorned with pearl-studded windows and facades. Eventually, these legends made their way to Europe. In 1704, French orientalist Antoine Galland published his translation of a collection of Arabian folktales under the title *One Thousand and One Nights*. By then, Iram had evolved into a fantastical city of a thousand palaces, each supported by a thousand pillars, surrounding a colossal fortress said to have taken 300 years to construct. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fascination with the lost city grew, capturing the imagination of adventurers and scholars alike, including T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who famously referred to it as the "Atlantis of the Sands." As a result, multiple expeditions were launched to uncover its location, and various theories emerged. Some speculated that Iram was the fabled city of Ubar, while others proposed sites such as Damascus or different desert settlements. In 1975, a significant archaeological discovery was made at the ancient city of Ebla in modern-day Syria. Thousands of cuneiform tablets were unearthed, some of which referenced trade with a neighboring entity known as Iram. While this provides evidence that Iram may indeed have been a real city in the ancient world, it likely bore little resemblance to the extravagant, mythical metropolis portrayed in works of fiction, such as the 2011 video game *Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception*. ## Greater Kitezh At this point in the video, it's likely becoming clear that nearly every culture has its own version of Atlantis, and Russia is no exception. In classic folklore, Greater Kitezh was a medieval monastic city said to have been founded by Georgy II, Grand Prince of Vladimir, sometime between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. According to the Old Believers, a religious sect that broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century, Greater Kitezh was a serene city filled with cathedrals, monasteries, and sacred treasures. It was located on the shores of Lake Svetloyar, though its exact location remained a closely guarded secret. As a peaceful spiritual center, it relied on the nearby Lesser Kitezh, also founded by Georgy II, for protection in times of danger. That danger came in the 13th century with the arrival of the Golden Horde. In the 1230s, under the leadership of Batu Khan, the Mongols invaded the region, spreading terror among the Rus people. Eventually, Batu Khan learned of Greater Kitezh and its fabled riches, and he directed his forces toward the hidden city. Georgy II attempted to make a stand at Lesser Kitezh, but the Mongols overran it, forcing him to flee into the forest, taking what treasures he could carry. On his way to Greater Kitezh, he ensured the invaders would not seize the city's sacred items by casting them into the lake. As the Mongols pursued him along secret forest paths, Georgy reached Greater Kitezh in time to warn its inhabitants. The people turned to prayer, pleading for a divine miracle. According to some legends, the city vanished without a trace before Batu Khan arrived. In other versions, the Mongols reached the city only to witness fountains erupting from the earth, engulfing Greater Kitezh and sinking it beneath the waters of the lake. It is said that Greater Kitezh will reveal itself only to those who are pure of heart and soul, and, when the weather's calm, some still claim to hear the distant sound of choirs and the chiming of bells rising from beneath the surface of Lake Svetloyar. ## Camelot To this day, historians continue to debate the origins of the King Arthur legend. While many elements of the tale, such as Merlin, Guinevere, and others, can be traced back to Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century *History of the Kings of Britain*, one iconic location is notably absent: Camelot. The first recorded mention of Arthur's famed city appears shortly after Geoffrey's work, in the 1170s, in Chrétien de Troyes' poem *Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart*. There, Camelot is briefly referenced as Arthur's principal court and the place of his coronation, but little detail is provided. Over time, medieval literature, poetry, and folklore would elevate Camelot to Arthur's majestic seat of power. Though its depiction varies from story to story, Camelot is most often imagined as a grand walled castle-city, nestled along a river, with a towering central castle. Surrounding it is a peaceful, prosperous utopia where even the peasantry lives in comfort. The surrounding countryside is typically described as lush and fertile, with dense forests and open meadows ideal for farming and hunting. Within the castle, nearly every version includes the legendary Round Table, where Arthur and his knights gathered as equals, a symbol of unity and fairness. In the Christianized Vulgate Cycle, Camelot was originally portrayed as a Pagan city, until it was converted to Christianity by Joseph of Arimathea, who also founded the Church of St. Stephen the Martyr. In these accounts, Camelot evolves into the ideal Christian kingdom, inspiring the construction of numerous smaller churches throughout the land. In most retellings, Camelot's fall follows the infamous affair between Guinevere and Lancelot, Mordred's betrayal, and Arthur's death. Weakened and leaderless, the city becomes vulnerable. King Mark of Cornwall seizes the opportunity and launches an invasion, ultimately leading to Camelot's destruction. In more recent years, scholars and enthusiasts have attempted to find historical or geographical roots for Camelot. Proposed locations include Caerleon in South Wales and Tintagel in Cornwall, also claimed as Arthur's birthplace. Still, it's widely believed that Camelot was a later addition to the legend, a fictional creation meant to provide Arthur with a kingdom as extraordinary as his deeds. ## El Dorado In the early 16th century, conquistadors making their way through South America began to hear local legends of a mysterious tribe hidden high in the Andes Mountains, in what is now modern-day Colombia. According to these tales, whenever a new chief rose to power, the tribe would perform a sacred ceremony at Lake Guatavita. During the ritual, the chief would be covered from head to toe in gold dust while his people threw gold and jewels into the lake as offerings to a god believed to dwell beneath its surface. The Spanish dubbed this golden chief "El Dorado," or "The Gilded One." Despite locals insisting that the tribe had been overtaken by rivals a century earlier, fascination with the legend quickly spread. By 1541, the myth had already evolved from a gilded man to a king who constantly wore gold, and eventually into a grand city made entirely of gold. By 1545, Spanish explorers were so captivated by the legend that they began launching expeditions to find El Dorado. When they arrived at Lake Guatavita, they attempted to drain it. Although they weren't entirely successful, they managed to expose part of the lake's edge, uncovering hundreds of gold objects and other valuables, lending credibility to the growing legend. In the years that followed, other conquistadors continued the search, most notably Gonzalo Pizarro. He brutally tortured local inhabitants in pursuit of information, many of whom likely fabricated stories just to make the suffering stop. Ultimately, Pizarro and his expedition found nothing but starvation and an unforgiving rainforest. In the early 17th century, Sir Walter Raleigh also became obsessed with the legend. Convinced of its authenticity, he launched two expeditions to find the golden city. His second venture proved disastrous though when his son was killed in a skirmish with the Spanish. Raleigh had been under strict orders to avoid conflict with the Spanish, and his disobedience, along with other infractions, led to his own execution upon returning to England. While many mythical lost cities take centuries to take shape in the human imagination, the promise of unimaginable wealth accelerated the legend of El Dorado from infancy to antiquity in just a few short decades. ## Ys In Breton folklore, Ys was a mythical city said to lie off the coast of Brittany near the town of Douarnenez. It was built by King Gradlon, a pious and noble ruler, who was accompanied by his daughter Dahut, a rebellious, free-spirited, and at times mischievous young woman. Because of Dahut's love for the sea, legend has it that Gradlon constructed Ys below sea level. However, the city was safeguarded by a brilliant network of dikes and an advanced system of sluice gates that allowed ships to enter while protecting it from floods and natural disasters. Though Gradlon lived in a grand palace of marble, cedar, and gold, he was believed to have remained humble and devout. Dahut, however, did not share her father's virtues. From here, the legends diverge, but two elements remain constant: Dahut is the worst and Ys sinks beneath the waves. In one version, Dahut, drunk and toying with her lover, steals the key to the city's water gates from her father. In their recklessness, they open the gates, allowing a monstrous storm to flood the city and bury it beneath the sea. In another version, Ys grows into a commercial metropolis so decadent that it borders on sinful. Saint Guénolé, founder of the first monastery in Brittany at Landévennec, warns the people of their arrogance and the dangers it invites. From there, the story veers into the fantastical, featuring enchanted oak trees, magical fish, and literal demons. Regardless, in the end, the result is the same, and Ys drowns due to divine punishment. In some versions, Dahut is even transformed into a mermaid, cursed to haunt the Bay of Douarnenez for eternity. One of the most iconic features of the city was the Great Bell of Ys, a towering cathedral that rang its bell in times of danger. The bell tower was said to be so tall that it guided the righteous King Gradlon and a handful of others to safety during the flood. According to legend, one day Ys will rise again from beneath the sea. And when that day comes, whoever first sees the city or hears the ringing of the Great Bell will be crowned the new king of Ys. ## Zerzura According to Arabic legend, somewhere west of the Nile River, likely in modern-day Egypt or Libya, lies Zerzura, the most perfect desert oasis city in the world. With written accounts dating back as far as the 13th century, the "Oasis of Little Birds" captured the imagination of the medieval Arabic world. Survivors would occasionally emerge from the desert with extraordinary tales of a hidden city that had saved them from certain doom. By most accounts, Zerzura was a gleaming white city, as pure in color as a dove, ruled by a sleeping king and queen. It was said to be guarded by vigilant black giants and surrounded by tall walls with majestic gates. According to the stories, sculpted birds perched near the gates held keys in their beaks, available for any weary traveler in need. Within the city, opulent homes were reportedly abundant in fresh water, each accompanied by pools, springs, and fountains that flowed freely in the arid landscape. Over time, these legends reached Europe, most notably through Gardiner Wilkinson, often called the father of British Egyptology. In 1835, Wilkinson heard a tale from a local who claimed to have gotten lost in the desert while searching for his camel. After wandering for days through the scorching sands, the man stumbled upon an oasis surrounded by shady palms, freshwater springs, and striking ancient ruins. He called this place "Wadi Zerzura," a name Wilkinson shared with his European contemporaries, linking the site to the fabled Arabic legend. Inspired by these accounts, a wave of European adventurers set out to find the lost city. Among them was British explorer Ralph Bagnold, who founded the Zerzura Club in 1930 with the express goal of locating the mysterious oasis. Unlike many lost cities throughout history, which often serve as cautionary tales against impiety or hubris, Zerzura offers something different: hope. To those lost in the endless desert, it represents a promise that if they keep moving forward, salvation may yet be found. ## City of the Caesars As we saw with the legend of El Dorado, the conquistadors' obsession with finding vast Latin American treasures fueled numerous expeditions in search of indigenous lost cities, and the City of the Caesars was no exception. Also known as the Wandering City, this mythical metropolis was said to lie somewhere in Patagonia, the remote southern region of South America. In some versions of the legend, it was hidden between two mountains, one made of diamonds, the other of gold. Other accounts claimed it existed in a real mountainous location but only revealed itself on rare, mysterious occasions. According to the stories, the city stood beside a vast blue lake, with streets paved in perfect cobblestones, buildings crafted from silver, and homes overflowing with gems, gold, and countless treasures. Its inhabitants were said to be blond-haired, blue-eyed people who spoke an unknown language and wore distinctive three-cornered hats. This led some to speculate they were the survivors of a Spanish shipwreck who went on to establish the city. Others believed the citizens of the City of the Caesars were none other than the legendary Patagonian giants first described by Ferdinand Magellan's chronicler, Antonio Pigafetta. Despite the name suggesting a Roman connection, and possibly inspiring various conspiracy theories, the city was actually named after Francisco César, a Spanish explorer who, in 1528, broke off from an expedition near Buenos Aires to search for it. In truth, the city was likely a blend of existing local myths and César's own imagination. Still, the legend grew, inspiring others to seek it out, among them Hernando Arias de Saavedra, the former governor of the Rio de la Plata region, who led an expedition in 1604. Perhaps the most fascinating group to take up the search were the Jesuit missionaries of the 17th and 18th centuries. Convinced of the city's existence, they came to believe it might be a literal heaven on Earth and launched multiple expeditions in pursuit of its wonders. ## Agartha In 1873, French writer Louis Jacolliot, who had spent time in India and developed a deep fascination with its culture, published *Les Fils du Dieu* (The Sons of God). In the book, Jacolliot described a mystical city called "Asgartha," which he claimed had once served as the ancient capital of India, ruled directly by the gods as their seat of power on Earth. Although he asserted that the city had long since been destroyed, likely when the gods departed the world, he also claimed that its entrance remained hidden deep within the Himalayas. This ambiguity left ample room for future writers to reinterpret and expand on the story. Jacolliot's "Asgartha" was an evident fusion of Hindu and Norse mythologies, the name and concept bearing a striking resemblance to Asgard, the celestial realm of Norse gods. However, later occultists, most notably Alexandre Saint-Yves d'Alveydre, would transform the idea into something far more elaborate and distinct: a secret, thriving kingdom known as Agartha. According to these expanded accounts, Agartha is an entire civilization located deep within the Earth's core, never destroyed and still flourishing to this day. From this subterranean realm, it is said to connect all of Earth's continents via a vast network of tunnels, supposedly constructed by a race of ancient, powerful beings known as the Old Ones, entities vastly superior to humans in physical, mental, and spiritual abilities. If this sounds familiar, it's because Agartha quickly became entangled with the Hollow Earth Theory, a fringe idea gaining popularity in the late 19th century. Within this framework, Agartha is portrayed as a hidden metropolis filled with enormous libraries, flying vehicles, and technologies far more advanced than anything on the surface. Its population, numbering in the millions, is believed to possess both magical and technological dominance over surface dwellers and is ruled by a mysterious figure known as "the Master," the king of Agartha. Some versions of the legend even tie Agartha to Atlantis, suggesting that it became the final refuge of the Atlanteans after their city sank beneath the sea. In most tellings, Agartha once existed on the surface but retreated underground as the world grew increasingly violent and unstable. Believers claim it will re-emerge once humanity is spiritually and morally prepared to receive it. In recent years, thanks in part to viral YouTube videos and fringe internet articles, it has become a widely circulated "fact" that President John Quincy Adams even funded an expedition to the South Pole in search of the Hollow Earth and, by extension, Agartha. However, this tale doesn't quite hold up to scrutiny. The discussion in question took place in 1826, decades before Jacolliot introduced the concept of Asgartha. Furthermore, while Adams did support an exploratory mission proposed by Jeremiah N. Reynolds, he only did so after Reynolds agreed to strip the proposal of its more fantastical elements. In truth, the idea that Adams was hunting for Agartha is as mythical as the city itself. ## Key Takeaways - Many legendary lost cities, like Atlantis and Camelot, are likely fictional creations. - The legend of Atlantis was first described by Plato and has inspired numerous theories. - El Dorado's legend evolved rapidly from a golden chief to a city of gold within decades. - Iram of the Pillars, mentioned in the Qur'an, has been sought by adventurers for centuries. - Shangri-La, popularized by James Hilton's novel, is inspired by Tibetan Buddhist myths. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Atlantis and who first described it? Atlantis is perhaps the most famous lost city in history. It was first described by Plato in his dialogues Timaeus and Critias around 360 BC. ### What is Shangri-La and where was it first mentioned? Shangri-La is a utopian city of lamaseries, or monasteries inhabited by Buddhist lamas. It was first mentioned in James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon. ### What is Iram of the Pillars and where is it mentioned in the Qur'an? Iram of the Pillars is a legendary city mentioned in the 89th chapter of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Fajr. It is described as a city of grand architecture and towering buildings. ### What is Greater Kitezh and what happened to it? Greater Kitezh was a medieval monastic city said to have been founded by Georgy II, Grand Prince of Vladimir. According to legend, it vanished or sank beneath the waters of Lake Svetloyar to escape the Mongols. ### What is Camelot and when was it first mentioned? Camelot is the legendary city associated with King Arthur. It was first mentioned in Chrétien de Troyes’ poem Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart in the 1170s. ### What is El Dorado and how did the legend evolve? El Dorado started as a legend of a gilded chief in a tribe high in the Andes Mountains. It evolved into a mythical city made entirely of gold, inspiring numerous expeditions by conquistadors. ### What is Ys and what caused its downfall? Ys was a mythical city built below sea level by King Gradlon. Its downfall was caused by the actions of Dahut, Gradlon's daughter, who opened the city's water gates, allowing a storm to flood and bury it beneath the sea. ### What is Zerzura and what does the legend say about it? Zerzura is a legendary desert oasis city said to be guarded by black giants and surrounded by tall walls. It is described as a gleaming white city with opulent homes and abundant fresh water. ### What is the City of the Caesars and where was it supposedly located? The City of the Caesars, also known as the Wandering City, was said to lie somewhere in Patagonia. It was described as a city with streets paved in perfect cobblestones and buildings crafted from silver. ### What is Agartha and what is its connection to the Hollow Earth Theory? Agartha is a legendary subterranean kingdom located deep within the Earth’s core. It is connected to the Hollow Earth Theory, which suggests it is a hidden metropolis with advanced technologies and a population numbering in the millions. ## Sources - [Original Side Projects video: Incredible Lost Cities of Myth](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKcwj2ZSI8) - [https://www.thetravel.com/mythical-places-around-the-world/](https://www.thetravel.com/mythical-places-around-the-world/) - [https://theaveragescientist.co.uk/2023/11/05/science-and-the-exploration-of-mythical-cities/#:~:text=Two%20of%20the%20most%20famous,true%20whereabouts%20remain%20a%20mystery](https://theaveragescientist.co.uk/2023/11/05/science-and-the-exploration-of-mythical-cities/#:~:text=Two%20of%20the%20most%20famous,true%20whereabouts%20remain%20a%20mystery) - [https://theaveragescientist.co.uk/2023/11/05/science-and-the-exploration-of-mythical-cities/#:~:text=Two%20of%20the%20most%20famous,true%20whereabouts%20remain%20a%20mystery](https://theaveragescientist.co.uk/2023/11/05/science-and-the-exploration-of-mythical-cities/#:~:text=Two%20of%20the%20most%20famous,true%20whereabouts%20remain%20a%20mystery) - [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Atlantis-legendary-island](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Atlantis-legendary-island) - [https://www.history.com/articles/top-6-theories-about-atlantis](https://www.history.com/articles/top-6-theories-about-atlantis) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangri-La](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangri-La) - [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shangri-La](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shangri-La) - [https://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_four_shangrila.html](https://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_four_shangrila.html) - [https://www.reviewofreligions.org/28264/sands-iram-of-the-pillars-and-the-people-of-ad/](https://www.reviewofreligions.org/28264/sands-iram-of-the-pillars-and-the-people-of-ad/) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iram_of_the_Pillars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iram_of_the_Pillars) - [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-iram-of-the-pillars/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-iram-of-the-pillars/) - [https://quran.com/7:65/tafsirs/en-tafsir-maarif-ul-quran](https://quran.com/7:65/tafsirs/en-tafsir-maarif-ul-quran) - [https://quran.com/al-fajr](https://quran.com/al-fajr) - [https://owlcation.com/humanities/Top-Ten-Lost-European-Cities-Known-from-Myth-and-Folklore#:~:text=1.,some%20room%20for%20new%20searches](https://owlcation.com/humanities/Top-Ten-Lost-European-Cities-Known-from-Myth-and-Folklore#:~:text=1.,some%20room%20for%20new%20searches) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitezh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitezh) - [https://www.rbth.com/articles/2012/07/04/discovering_the_russian_atlantis_16089.html](https://www.rbth.com/articles/2012/07/04/discovering_the_russian_atlantis_16089.html) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camelot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camelot) - [https://www.discoverbritain.com/heritage/mythology/king-arthur-camelot-legend/](https://www.discoverbritain.com/heritage/mythology/king-arthur-camelot-legend/) - [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/camelot-legendary-place](https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/camelot-legendary-place) - [https://www.livescience.com/28992-camelot.html](https://www.livescience.com/28992-camelot.html) - [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/nine-mythical-places-archaeologists-think-may-have-actually-existed-180984996/](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/nine-mythical-places-archaeologists-think-may-have-actually-existed-180984996/) - [https://www.livescience.com/el-dorado](https://www.livescience.com/el-dorado) - [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/el-dorado?loggedin=true&rnd=1749403643759](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/el-dorado?loggedin=true&rnd=1749403643759) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ys) - [https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803125227732](https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803125227732) - [https://nightbringer.se/the-legend-of-king-arthur/arthurian-locations/y-arthurian-locations/ys/#:~:text=Is%2C%20Ker%2DYs,Morgan%20was%20applied%20to%20her](https://nightbringer.se/the-legend-of-king-arthur/arthurian-locations/y-arthurian-locations/ys/#:~:text=Is%2C%20Ker%2DYs,Morgan%20was%20applied%20to%20her) - [https://www.toptenz.net/ancient-places-of-myth-that-might-have-actually-existed.php](https://www.toptenz.net/ancient-places-of-myth-that-might-have-actually-existed.php) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zerzura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zerzura) - [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-zerzura/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-zerzura/) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_the_Caesars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_the_Caesars) - [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-ciudad-de-los-cesares/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-ciudad-de-los-cesares/) - [https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/city-caesars-00161](https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/city-caesars-00161) - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agartha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agartha) - [https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-agartha/](https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-agartha/) - [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/john-quincy-adams-ardent-supporter-exploration-180955203/](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/john-quincy-adams-ardent-supporter-exploration-180955203/) ## Related Coverage