MYSTERIES OF THE DEEP: Top 5 Underwater Cities
By Maximo Veron
Beneath the waves of our oceans and seas lie the remnants of civilizations that once thrived on land. These underwater cities offer us a glimpse into the past, each with a unique story of natural disasters, rising sea levels, or abandonment. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the top five underwater cities that continue to captivate historians, archaeologists, and explorers.
5. Heracleion, Egypt
Heracleion, also known as Thonis, was an ancient Egyptian port city at the mouth of the Nile River. Once a major trading hub, it vanished beneath the sea around the 2nd century BC, likely due to a combination of earthquakes and liquefaction. Rediscovered in 2000 by French archaeologist Franck Goddio, Heracleion offers a spectacular glimpse of life in ancient Egypt.
Massive statues, colossal temples, and an array of ancient coins and jewelry have been found at the site. Heracleion was dedicated to the Greek hero Heracles, and it was an important center of worship for both Greek and Egyptian deities. The discovery of this city has greatly enriched our understanding of the cultural exchanges between ancient Greece and Egypt, and it remains one of the most significant underwater archaeological sites in the world.
4. Shicheng, China
Shicheng, or “Lion City,” lies beneath the man-made Qiandao Lake in China’s Zhejiang province. This city, founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty around 1,800 years ago, was deliberately flooded in 1959 during the construction of the Xin’an River Dam and hydroelectric station. Despite being submerged for decades, Shicheng remains remarkably intact due to the lake’s clear, still waters.
Lion City is often called the “Atlantis of the East,” with five city gates, well-preserved wooden beams, and intricate carvings depicting dragons, lions, and phoenixes. Its well-preserved condition makes it a favorite site for divers, who describe the experience of swimming through ancient structures as like traveling back in time.
3. Dwarka, India
The city of Dwarka, off the coast of Gujarat, India, is said to have been founded by Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. The submerged ruins were discovered in the early 2000s, and archaeological studies suggest that they date back around 9,000 years—placing them among the oldest underwater sites in the world.
Dwarka is believed to have been a massive, well-planned city featuring ancient stone structures, temples, and harbor installations. According to Hindu texts, it was submerged by a great flood, possibly due to a rise in sea levels. Dwarka’s discovery has drawn attention to the connection between myth and history, showing that some legends may indeed have a basis in fact.
2. Pavlopetri, Greece
Pavlopetri, located off the southern coast of Laconia in Greece, is considered the world’s oldest known underwater city. Dating back over 5,000 years to the Bronze Age, this city boasts an incredible network of streets, buildings, and tombs, providing valuable insights into ancient Greek civilization. The site was discovered in 1967 and mapped in detail using advanced underwater technology.
What makes Pavlopetri so unique is its well-preserved structure. Archaeologists have found roads, courtyards, and even domestic pottery, revealing that this city was once a thriving harbor town. Its preservation is mainly due to its location below shallow waters, where the absence of significant currents has allowed structures to remain intact.
1. Atlantis
No list of underwater cities would be complete without mentioning Atlantis. According to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis was a highly advanced civilization that vanished beneath the waves around 9,000 years ago. Described as a powerful and technologically advanced island, the city is thought to have been located in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being considered a myth by many, numerous theories and expeditions have sought to prove its existence, with some believing it could lie near the Azores, in the Mediterranean, or even under Antarctica’s icy waters.
Atlantis has become a symbol of a lost utopia, representing the dangers of human greed and hubris. Whether it’s fact or fiction, the myth of Atlantis continues to inspire adventure and intrigue.