It might come as a surprise to some that drifting sand is but a small factor in the burial of an ancient city. In desert regions this might contribute a part, but the main reason is the repeated destruction and rebuilding of the city on " The same site!" Cities were built near springs and waterholes; instead of moving to another location, the custom was to rebuild the city on the old site, salvaging what stones and materials were usable.
The cheif reason for continuing on the old site was not the ease with which this could be done, or because the water supply was there already, but the desire to follow, wherever possible, the outline of old buildings, particularly temples, to earn the protection of the gods and spirits that the inhabitants had pacified.
This is why Archaeology has found such original sites, the actual places of biblical importance.
And I want to go into that.
Peace.