The ocean is a huge unknown space, in the depths of which many secrets are kept. The most amazing artifacts and wonders have been discovered on the seabed - for example, giant ships, temples, pyramids and large mysterious cities.
1. Artifacts from the Roman Empire
In October 2014, divers discovered the remains of a shipwreck off the coast of Italy. Although the researchers knew in advance that there was a sunken ship at this place, it was only after the dive that they realized the scale of their discovery. It turned out that in this place is a 2000-year-old 15-meter destroyed merchant ship. Earthen pots with the remains of olive oil and wine were found in its fragments.
Called Panarea III, the vessel greatly enriched the understanding of the ancient trade in the Mediterranean as well as daily life at the time.
2. Egyptian artifacts of Heraklion and Canopus
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In 2000, Frank Goddio, founder of the European Institute of Underwater Archeology, made a discovery while searching for sunken sites in the western Nile Delta. In the Mediterranean, he and his team discovered about 250 Egyptian artifacts that were associated with the flooded cities of Canopus and Tonis (Heraklion) and the worship of the god Osiris.
These artifacts helped scientists better understand the life of these two cities, which were sunk due to natural disasters in the 8th century AD.
Further research showed that both of these cities were connected by a canal to ancient Alexandria, with which Canopus and Tonis had strong trade and cultural ties.
The artifacts were exhibited in Paris between September 2015 and January 2016.
3. Dwarka City
A true embodiment of Indian history and mythology can be seen off the coast of western India. This is the flooded city of Dwarka ("Gateway to Heaven"), which, as the myths say, was built by Krishna with the help of the divine master Vishvakarman.
During archaeological excavations of the flooded city, it was found that it belongs to the XV-XVI centuries BC. According to mythology, the city was flooded and plunged into the Indian Ocean after the death of Krishna and his departure from this world.
However, Dwarka to this day attracts Hindus from all over the world who worship the power of Krishna.
4. The oldest flooded city
Pavlopetri is the oldest flooded city, which may contain, accordingly, the most ancient artifacts in the world. It was discovered in 1968 by scientist Nick Fleming and his team. At first it was believed that the city was about 2,000 years old, but further research showed that it was between 5,000 and 6,000 years old.
In Pavlopetri, unique items of Neolithic ceramics were discovered, perfectly preserved in salt water. At present, further excavations and searches for the oldest artifacts are underway.
5. Remains of Gondwana
Scientists have discovered giant chunks from the ancient mainland of Gondwana, according to an article published in November 2011 in National Geographic.
During excavations, scientists discovered chunks of rock consisting of granite, gneiss and sandstone, which are usually continental formations. This means that they may be the remnants of a supercontinent that disintegrated into India, Australia and Antarctica 130 million years ago.
6. Antikythera ship
The remains of a Roman ship were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera at a depth of 55 meters. At the same time, the famous Antikythera mechanism was raised to the surface, which many researchers consider to be an ancient computer.
For many years, the ship, which is 2,000 years old, was untouched under water, until in 2015 underwater archaeologists came down to it, while using the most advanced technologies to search.
After spending 40 hours underwater, divers were able to find unique artifacts such as a bronze armrest (possibly part of a throne), a bone flute, old board games, luxurious ceramics and glassware.
7. Ruined city of Gelika
Greek civilization is renowned for its cultural, academic and social prowess, from the famous city-states to the Olympic Games. Nevertheless, one of the once most famous ancient Greek cities called Gelika remained outside the attention of historians and researchers. Located in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese Peninsula, Gelika was one of the leading cities in ancient Greece.
Due to unknown natural factors, Gelika was completely destroyed in 373 BC, and was discovered only in the 20th century under a thick layer of silt in the Gulf of Corinth.
There are many versions about the reasons for its immersion in water, but none of them has been proven. By the way, myths claim that the city was destroyed because of the anger of the ruler of the seas, Poseidon.
8. Seven pagodas of Mahabalipuram
One of the most revered temples of Mahabalipuram is located in southern India off the coast of Tamil Nadu. Indian mythology says that there were seven temples in the area, which were called "The Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram".
As legends say, their grandeur and luxury were such that the gods began to envy the creators of the temples. And they caused a tsunami that destroyed six pagodas, leaving only one.
A recent expedition led by British writer and bestselling author Graham Hancock found one of the lost temples underwater. Foundations, broken columns, steps, and scattered stone blocks indicate a large area for exploration and research.
This is one of the most revolutionary discoveries in India in recent times. This find provides compelling evidence for the veracity of myths that have been passed down from generation to generation.
9. Underwater temple in Lake Titicaca
In the cradle of the Andes between Bolivia and Peru is Lake Titicaca, which is of great historical and cultural importance. It has survived many civilizations over the centuries and has been iconic for many religious myths and beliefs.
In 2000, underwater archaeologists found the ruins of a mysterious underwater temple in it. It is huge in size - 200 by 50 meters, and its age is 1000-1500 years old - i.e. it was created during the pre-Inca civilization of Tiwanaku.
In addition, various stone and gold artifacts were found in the temple itself, and around it there are long roads and terraces for crops.
10. Port Royal
In the 17th century, the city of Port Royal, located in Jamaica, was the well-known capital of the pirates. However, its turbulent history turned out to be very short - it existed for only 37 years. On June 7, 1692 at 11:43 am, two thirds of the port sank in the Caribbean Sea as a result of a powerful earthquake and tsunami.
So much of the exact dating of the incident became known because a clock was found on the ruins of Port Royal, which froze at the time of the catastrophe, saving us forever the time of the catastrophe.
Underwater searches have led to many important conclusions about life in this busy port. Excavated magnificent buildings and surrounding landscapes, which are perfectly preserved in the depths of the sea due to the low oxygen content at the depth of the sea, accurately recreate the atmosphere and interiors of a pirate city 300 years ago.
Natalia Trubinovskaya