The lost city of Atlantis is probably the most famous sunken city, but its existence has never been confirmed. Plato mentions a great and sophisticated city overcome with power and greed, leading to its eventual downfall. While it’s unclear whether Atlantis was fictional or lies submerged somewhere, here are 10 cities that were actually submerged under water. Let’s dive in.
Port Royal (Jamaica)
In the 17th century, Port Royal became known as “the wickedest city on Earth.” Pirates inhabited the Jamaican city, and the hotspot was known for its hedonistic behaviors, involving sex workers, abundant booze, and stolen treasure. To some, the earthquake in 1692 was a blessing, but to others it was devastating. Two-thirds of the lawless city was submerged under water. It’s hard not to suspect that there was some divine intervention. Nevertheless, the city sank.
Baiae (Italy)
Baiae seems like another case of divine intervention. Around 100 BC, the Roman town of Baiae was somewhat of a resort for the rich. Emperors and nobility vacationed there. The seaside town became known for its indulgence, corruption, and scandals. Then, volcanic activity caused the lower part of the town to become submerged under water. Some of the impressive architecture has been preserved beneath the water.
Pavlopetri (Greece)
The ancient city of Pavlopetri is recognized as the oldest known submerged city, with evidence dating back to the Neolithic Age. Frequent earthquakes are believed to have gradually caused the city to sink. Streets, buildings, courtyards, and tombs have been remarkably preserved, showing evidence of a once lively city. Today, the site faces broader issues affecting its long-term preservation.
Dwarka (India)
The cities we’ve discussed thus far have all been confirmed, but the jury is still out on this one. The Indian epic Mahabharata tells of Krishna’s Kingdom, which was far more sprawling than the modern-day city of Dwarka. The tale says that upon Krishna’s death, it was submerged by the Arabian Sea. Although archaeologists have found remnants of a submerged civilization off the coast of modern Dwarka, conclusive proof that this is the legendary settlement has not been established. More underwater digging will hopefully prove its existence.
Shi Cheng (China)
Nature submerged all of these cities thus far, but this one was deliberately submerged by humans. China’s ancient city, also known as “Lion City,” was flooded in 1959 to create a reservoir and a hydraulic dam. Over 300,000 residents were displaced. The stone structures, including temples, archways, and houses, were submerged in Qiandao Lake. Well-preserved, the site has become a popular destination for divers.
Thonis-Heracleion (Egypt)
Only as recently as 2000 was the ancient Egyptian city Thonis-Heracleion rediscovered. The submerged city once served as an important trading port. It was also an important religious site where Ptolemaic pharaohs received their divine authority. A combination of factors—earthquakes, soil liquefaction, and rising sea levels—sank the city into the Mediterranean Sea. Now archaeologists are hoping to know more about what life was like back then.
Lost Villages of Ontario (Canada)
Here’s another intentional flooding. In 1958, villages along the St. Lawrence River were submerged under water during the St. Lawrence Seaway and hydroelectric power construction. About 6,500 people were displaced and 530 buildings were either moved or demolished. Remnants of the villages were well-preserved and the introduction of zebra mussels made them more visible. Today, divers from all over come to see the vacated settlements.
Rungholt (Germany)
Sometimes called the “Atlantis of the North Sea,” this German town was submerged under water after a great storm. Legend has it that the storm, often called the ‘Great Drowning of Men,’ flooded the lowland city for its sinful ways. While the city remained in folklore, a church was discovered at the bottom of the Wadden Sea mudflats in Germany, proving its existence. The once-thriving city of Rungholt was another casualty of Mother Nature.
Atlit Yam (Israel)
The Neolithic city of Atlit Yam was discovered in the Levantine Sea in 1984. Spread across 10 acres and submerged just 35 feet deep, houses, hearths, wells, flint tools, arrowheads, and over 100 skeletons were found well-preserved. Some experts believe the city was flooded following the Ice Age. Other evidence suggests a tsunami overtook it. Startling discoveries such as the first evidence of tuberculosis are still being uncovered.
Canopus (Egypt)
The last city on our list is Canopus, resting under the Mediterranean Sea. Along with Thonis-Heracleion, this ancient city succumbed to a combination of earthquakes, rising sea levels, tsunamis, ground sinking, and flooding. Archaeologists have discovered jewels and coins, telling a story of a once-prosperous city. Which city on our list surprised you the most?
