Out of the Ruins

aftermath

looter

chopped-off limbs

pulverized cathedrals

precipice (cliff)

abyss (chasm, gulf)

levitate

immaculate (spotless, faultless, stainless, impeccable, unblemished, irreproachable)

despot (tyrant, oppressor, autocrat)

oblivion (forgetfulness)

excerpt from:http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1953379_1953494_1957366,00.html