1 . Throughout history, great cities have risen and fallen. Some of them are seemingly lost in time—until artifacts(古物) are discovered that bring them back to life.

Teotihuacán

Located outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is thought to have been settled around 400 BC. By 400 AD, it was the most influential, powerful city in its region. Teotihuacán’s real treasure is its massive step pyramids. Much of the city’s history is still a mystery, but some believe that its decline came from changing climate conditions like long-term droughts.

Petra

This ancient city in southern Jordan flourished from the 4th century BC to 106 AD. It was an important place for spice and silk trade routes. It also had a complicatedly-designed water management system. Petra was occupied by Rome in 106 AD, and the trade routes soon shifted(转换). Hundreds of years later, earthquakes damaged the water system and Petra was abandoned.

Pompeii

Endless tales have been told about the tragedy of Pompeii, which occurred on August 24, in the year 79 AD, when the volcano Vesuvius erupted. The entire town was swiftly covered in ash and soil. Everything was frozen in time. The site was unearthed in the 18th century, and the evidence found provided a great detail of insight into daily living in this ancient Italian city.

Ctesiphon

Located about 20 miles outside of Baghdad, Ctesiphon was one of the greatest cities in Western Asia in the 6th century. It was conquered(征服) by Rome, and then by the Byzantine Empire. In 637 AD, it was captured by the Muslims. Many believe that the ancient city was the inspiration for the city of Isbanir mentioned in the Thousand and One Nights folk tales.

1. What do we know about Teotihuacán?

A．It was the most beautiful city of its time.

B．Its history needs further exploration.

C．It took about 400 years to reach its height.

D．Its pyramids were ruined by climate change.

2. Which cities were once defeated by Rome?

A．Teotihuacán and Petra.	B．Teotihuacán and Ctesiphon.
C．Petra and Pompeii.	D．Petra and Ctesiphon.

3. According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A．Teotihuacán was located outside of Baghdad.

B．Petra declined because the trade routes shifted.

C．We can learn about ancient Italian daily life in Pompeii.

D．Ctesiphon has another name of Isbanir in history.