Several years ago, half a mile off the coast of the Gulf of Corinth, fragments of buildings were found under a layer of silt. Further investigation of the ruins revealed that these remains of buildings are nothing more than the architectural structures of the ancient city of Geliki, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 BC. The history of the ancient city, which was swallowed up by the sea, is not unique. Many ruins of ancient settlements rest precisely on the bottom, so if the remains of the disappeared city cannot be found on land, archaeologists have to start underwater excavations. As a result of such expeditions, many secrets of the ancient world were revealed. Today we will tell you about 10 lost cities that were found under the water column.
Samabah, Guatemala
The ancient Mayan city rests at a depth of 35 meters, in the waters of Lake Atitlan. It was discovered only in 1996 by the diver Roberto Samayoa. Scientists suggest that the city sank to the bottom about 2,000 years ago as a result of volcanic activity. Altars, incense burners and other artifacts suggest that this happened suddenly.
Alexandria, Egypt
Due to earthquakes in 335 A. D. most of ancient Alexandria was flooded. Among the sunken buildings was the legendary palace of Cleopatra. In 1998, archaeologists managed to find the ruins of the city, including the lost palace. More than 140 artifacts were found in it. Excavations continue to this day. Researchers do not exclude the possibility of creating an underwater museum.
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Pavlopetri, Greece
Pavlopetri became the very first underwater city to be discovered by archaeologists. Palaces, tombs and other structures have remained almost the same as thousands of years ago. The location of the city was first mapped in 2009. Archaeologists were surprised to find that the city covers over 30,000 square meters. Presumably, the city went under water in 1000 BC. as a result of an earthquake.
Atlit Yam, Israel
It is one of the oldest and largest sunken settlements ever discovered. The estimated age of the city is 7000 BC. The remains of the ruins are so well preserved that human skeletons can still be found among the buildings. The city was discovered in 1984. How the city went under water for scientists is still a mystery. Researchers put forward a variety of theories, from tsunamis to gradual rise in sea levels due to melting glaciers.
Port Royal, Jamaica
The main refuge of pirates, smugglers and other scum after an earthquake in 1692 was under water. During underwater excavations, archaeologists have found buildings, historical documents and some canned food. At the moment, several projects are under development to modernize the underwater city into a tourist attraction.
Yonaguni Complex, Japan
In 1985, near the island of Yonaguni, a mysterious object was discovered under the water column - a giant monument with numerous terraces. The underwater pyramid is located at a depth of 25 meters. Presumably, the age of the monument is more than 5000 years. Who built it and under what circumstances it ended up under water for scientists is still a mystery.
Heracleon and Canopus, Egypt
Heracleon and Canopus were called twin cities guarding the gates of Egypt. More than 1200 years ago, after the flood, they disappeared under water. Presumably, the cities were built over giant voids filled with water, and at some point they collapsed under the weight of the structures. Until their discovery in 1999, the only evidence of their existence was the manuscripts of historians and stories from mythology. The ancient ruins were discovered at a depth of 7 meters. With their many temples, statues and houses, both cities were literally frozen in time.
Bailly, Italy
During the heyday of the Roman Empire, Bahia was a favorite place among the aristocracy. The city was destroyed in the 8th century AD by Muslim invaders, and by 1500 it was completely abandoned. Over time, due to volcanic activity, the city went under water.
Dwarka, India
Ancient Dwarka was located on the banks of the Gomti River. It is believed that as a result of certain events, he sank into the water. The ruins were discovered in 2000 at a depth of 35 meters in the Bay of Cambay. Some of the artifacts raised are dated back to 7500 BC.
Unknown ruins, Yucatan Strait, Cuba
Not far from the coast of Cuba in 2000, a group of scientists discovered the ruins of an ancient city under water. Archaeologists suggest that the structures were built several millennia ago by an advanced civilization. So far, scientists have only computer models of the city and they continue to study the megalithic ruins.