[dp0622]

I agree. What i never understood is how the further archaeologists dig down in an area the earlier the civilizations they find.

What happens? those people and their homes and business just shrunk into the ground? confuses me.

[Nailbiter]

My theory-
The previous settlement dies out for some reason- disease,changing climate,war or invasion.
The remaining people decamp.
The site falls in to disrepair, then nature takes over. Grass then trees take over, buildings collapse rot away. The dust and debris fall into foundations.
After years the landscape is back to natural, whatever caused this space to be habitable is appealing to next humans. They start the cycle over again.

Machu Pichu (sp) comes to mind, pull back the jungle- there is a city and lost civilization.

[Nailbiter]

I imagine if you ask sunkenciv and his crowd, they would have a better or more scholarly answer.