For more than 10,000 years, cities have been the sites of inspiration, myth and mystery. From Peru's Machu Picchu to the legendary Troy and Babylon, this book follows the rise and fall of 28 of the world's most fascinating lost cities, including the powerful seats of empires and renowned centres of learning. Lavishly illustrated, Joel Levy's book brings past cities and cultures vividly to life and provides the reader with an invaluable insight into these often forgotten places. Each location is described in evocative detail and is accompanied by contact details, maps and travel information to help readers plan visits to the sites.