2. Babylon, Iraq
One of the most legendary cities of the ancient world, Babylon’s grandeur was significantly diminished by modern development. Saddam Hussein’s reconstruction efforts in the late 20th century were intended to revive the city’s former glory but led to further destruction of its ancient ruins.
The city’s lost monuments, such as the Ishtar Gate, once stood as symbols of Babylon’s unmatched cultural influence. Today, the once-magnificent city lies partially in ruins, overtaken by the demands of modern politics and development.