A rider on camelback surveys the steep-sided pyramids of Mero in Sudan.

These four lost cities were jewels of ancient Africa. What happened to them?

Thonis-Heracleion, Alexandria, Meroë, and Jenne-Jeno were once centers of sophistication and wealth, but their fortunes waned over time. Although their ancient splendors disappeared from sight, archaeology is now revealing their glorious pasts.

A rider on camelback surveys the steep-sided pyramids of Mero in Sudan.
Photograph by Robbie Shone/National Geographic Image Collection
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