A lot of times, old wiring is a bit like old Christmas tree lights; they are strung together in a series.
Which can lead to a situation like yours. How to fix? Attend:
Find the first place in the series that doesn't work. Open up the receptacle box or junction box and look for a dysfunctional connection, a burnt wire, a melted wire connector, and so forth. If that box is clear, the problem lies between it and the breaker panel. (You can have a bad connection in a breaker box, you know; look at the wire connection to the breaker.)
Oh, no one in your house does that sort of thing? You'll need an electrician.
.
They're just wires, you know. You said they nad no power. (Oh, by the way, the wires could be hot, but the neutral connection could have failed. Better keep that in mind.)
I've seen people shy away from a stubby little piece of wire just laying on the ground. Sheesh.
Just not this morning as we had to get out the door and I was about a quart low on coffee. Will check it over tonight when we get home.