That was my first thought, as well, followed by the fact that it may also be because we (or at least, I) know very little about those civilizations. When I go t

That was my first thought, as well, followed by the fact that it may also be because we (or at least, I) know very little about those civilizations. When I go to Rome I am imagining what Roman life was like based on my knowledge of it. My pre-existing knowledge makes the sites come alive in my imagination, and thus makes them more intriguing to me.