The Visions of Bezek is a collection of short stories that, together, explain the disappearance of the town. It’s a unique journey, but Bezek isn’t the only town that’s vanished from history. In this blog entry, we’ll explore five of the most popular vanished towns.

1. Pompeii
One of the most well-‑known examples of a vanished town is Pompeii. In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried this ancient Roman city under layers of ash and pumice, preserving it remarkably well. Rediscovered centuries later, Pompeii offers us a remarkable glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants, suspended in time. The well-preserved artifacts and structures paint a vivid picture of the Roman civilization, forever etching its story in the annals of history.
2. Centralia
In stark contrast to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the modern town of Centralia in Pennsylvania witnessed a slow and silent disappearance. In 1962, an underground coal mine fire ignited, leading to a series of events that ultimately resulted in the evacuation and abandonment of the town. Toxic gases and sinkholes rendered Centralia uninhabitable, leaving behind a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of industrial accidents.
3. Cahokia
Long before the arrival of Europeans in North America, the Mississippi River Valley was home to a thriving urban center called Cahokia. Around 1050 AD, this Native American city boasted an estimated population larger than London at the time. Yet, by 1350 AD, the city had mysteriously collapsed, leaving behind massive earthen mounds and a legacy of ancient Native American cultures. The reasons behind Cahokia's decline and disappearance remain shrouded in mystery.
4. Oradour-sur-Glane
During World War II, the small French village of Oradour-sur-Glane met a tragic fate. In 1944, German SS troops massacred the inhabitants and razed the town to the ground. Today, Oradour-sur-Glane stands as a memorial, frozen in time, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
5. Roanoke
I remember this one from a school history class. It’s one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. In 1587, a group of English settlers established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. Led by John White, the colonists hoped to establish a permanent foothold in the New World. However, when John White returned from a supply run to England in 1590, he found the entire colony deserted, with no trace of the settlers. The only clue left behind was the word "Croatoan" carved into a post.
6. Bezek
Of course, Bezek is on my list. No one remembers it. Even among the pages of occult history, you won’t find the town mentioned. The only real trace of it is found within a novel named The Visions of Bezek. You can get a copy here.
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