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Though the search for the legendary city of Atlantis
still rages on there have been many other underwater cities that have
been found. Giving an eerie insight into what were once productive and
highly popular cities here are just a few guaranteed to blow your mind.
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1 – Cleopatra’s Palace, Alexandria, Egypt
After having thought to have been lost for years the royal quarters of
Cleopatra were discovered off the shores of Alexandria. It is believed
to have been submerged by a horrible earthquake and tsunami that hit the
coast of Alexandria and sank the island of Antirhodos, along with
Cleopatra’s palace and Alexandria’s light house, which was one of the
wonders of the ancient world. At just 5-8 meters the site is really
shallow. |
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2 – Port Royal, Jamaica
Once referred to as the “wickedest city on earth” due to it being a
pirate’s favorite hangout Port Royal was struck with a 7.5 magnitude
earthquake in 1692. It was sucked into the ground due to unstable sand
formations killing thousands. Some believe it was retribution for all
the things that happened there like piracy, prostitution and excessive
rum consumption. Although it is located 40 feet below the surface it was
still visible from the surface up until the beginning of the 20th
century. It has continued to sink and is now covered mostly with sand. |
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3 – The Pyramids of Yonagami-Jima, Japan
The Yonaguni Monument is one of the most controversial archeological
finds because experts just can’t seem to agree on whether it was
man-made or made by nature. Divers believe they found traces of drawings
and other markings leading many to believe it was man-made. If it was
man-made it would have been constructed sometime during the last ice age
when the sea level was 130 feet lower. It is a popular diving location
but can be quite dangerous due to the strong currents and hammerhead
sharks. Discovered in 1995 by a diver and estimated to be 8000 years old
the most important discovery was the large pyramid standing over 250
meters above sea level. |
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4 – Lion City of Quiandao Lake, China
Lying at a depth of up to 40 meters beneath the Qiandao Lake the
underwater city of Lion City has been opened up and turned into a huge
money-making venture. In order to make room for the Xin’an River Dam
project the city was flooded by the Chinese government. It remained
completely undisturbed and preserved for over 50 years. Diving trips to
explore the city are available year-round on weekends twice a month
given by professional diver Big Blue. |
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5 – Dwarka, Gulf of Cambay, India
Discovered by marine scientists in early 2002 the Gulf of Cambay is five
miles long and two miles wide. Named ‘Dwarka’ (The Golden City) by
Indian Nationals in honor of the ancient city thought to belong to Hindu
god, Krishna. Located 120 feet underwater in the Gulf of Cambay, it was
once a planned city but was eventually deserted and submerged. Legend
has it that Krishna had a beautiful and prosperous city and his death
bed sent Dwarka sinking into the sea.
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