Why do historians hide the existence of an ancient city?
Historians generally do not hide the existence of ancient cities; rather, the reasons that can lead to the lack of awareness or recognition of certain ancient cities may include:
1. **Limited Evidence**: Many ancient cities may not have left behind significant archaeological evidence, making it difficult for historians and archaeologists to confirm their existence.
2. **Historical Documentation**: Some cities may not be well-documented in historical texts, leading to their existence being overlooked or forgotten over time.
3. **Natural Disasters**: Catastrophic events like earthquakes, floods, or erosion can lead to the destruction of cities, leaving little trace for future historians to discover.
4. **Political Reasons**: In some cases, political agendas may influence the focus of historical research. Certain cities may be downplayed or forgotten due to current political narratives or national identities.
5. **Shifts in Research Focus**: Historians may prioritize certain regions or eras over others based on available funding, interest in specific topics, or prevailing academic trends.
6. **Misidentification**: Archaeological findings can sometimes be misidentified or misinterpreted, leading to confusion about the significance or even existence of certain sites.
7. **Access and Permissions**: Some ancient sites are located in areas that are not easily accessible due to conflict or political instability, which can limit archaeological exploration.
In summary, the idea that historians are intentionally hiding the existence of an ancient city is more likely a misconception. New discoveries and scholarship continually reshape our understanding of history, including the acknowledgment of lesser-known ancient sites.