Across the globe, there are tales of ancient cities once thought to be mere legends, until they were eventually discovered and their mysteries unearthed. Here are five such lost cities that were miraculously rediscovered.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, was unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Perched high in the Andes, this ancient city remains a symbol of Incan civilization.

2. Petra, Jordan

The rose-red city of Petra, an ancient capital carved into cliffs, was lost to the Western world until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It's now one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

3. Troy, Turkey

The city of Troy, immortalized in Homer's "Iliad," was considered a myth until Heinrich Schliemann unearthed it in the late 19th century. Its discovery bridged the gap between legend and history.

4. Palenque, Mexico

Once a thriving Mayan city-state, Palenque lay hidden under dense vegetation in Chiapas, Mexico. Rediscovered in the 18th century, it is renowned for its stunning Mayan architecture and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

5. Angkor, Cambodia

Home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, the city of Angkor was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. Lost under forest overgrowth, it was brought to international attention in the 19th century and is now a major archaeological site.

These rediscovered cities serve as windows to the past, opening up realms of historical knowledge and offering intriguing insights into our human story.