The Top 5 Most Intriguing Underwater Cityscapes
As I’m sure many people are aware, the lost city of Atlantis is only a myth, sorry. However, for the people itching to believe in the fantastical, you’ll be glad to hear that underneath our ocean waters lie a plethora of underwater wonders. I’ve picked my favourite 5 for your viewing pleasure! Take a look below…
- The Pyramids of Yonaguni-Jima – Japan
To this day experts still cannot agree on whether the Yonaguni Monument – which lies underwater just off the coast of Japan – is man-made or simply a natural occurrence.
Some experts believe that the structures could be all that’s left of Mu – a fabled pacific civilisation rumoured to have vanished beneath the waves. However, Jun Kimura – a specialist in ancient ship-building – said that his initial impression was that the formations could be natural, but later changed his mind during his second dive.
While there is evidence to support the idea that this was a natural occurrence, looking at the terraced stones and triangular structures that form the pyramid, it’s pretty difficult to believe such a monument could have occurred naturally.
Experts believe that if the structure was man-made, it was likely built during the last ice age, roughly 10,000 BCE.
- Dwarka, Gulf of Cambay – India
The ancient city of Lord Krishna was for years thought to be a myth, but ruins discovered in 2000 seem to be breathing life into the fabled Indian tale.
As the story goes, Lord Krishna had a magnificent city, which was made up of 70,000 palaces made of gold, silver and many other precious metals. Throughout its history, the city was prosperous and life was good. However, upon the death of Lord Krishna, the city of Dwarka supposedly sank into the sea.
The ruins are situated 131ft beneath the ocean surface in the Dwarka, one of the seven cities in India. What makes this underwater city even more fascinating is how incredibly geometric it is.
Lord Krishna’s city has also seen many of its artefacts rediscovered in recent times. The most important of which, dates back to 7500 BCE, which supports the theory that the ruins may truly be the ancient Dwarka.
- Port Royal – Jamaica
This port was once a notorious hub for devious activity, including pirating, prostitution, booze and mad all-night parties. Port Royal was once branded the most ‘wicked and sinful city in the world.’
This was until the summer of 1692, when a huge 7.5 earthquake struck the island of Jamaica, dragging Port Royal down into the ocean due to its unstable foundations, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 residents. Was this earthquake a natural occurrence? Or was it a mark of retribution for all the sins committed within the Port? Many people believed the latter.
Today, Port Royal continues to sink further and further down into the ocean. Scary, considering it was once one of the largest cities in Europe. The city is now a hive for archaeological exploration, as many of the artefacts that have been discovered and brought to the surface are in almost perfect condition.
Lion City of Quiandao Lake – China
This holds the title for the most spectacular lost city in the world. Lion City looks like something out of a children’s fairy tale.
Originally built in Eastern Ha Dynasty at roughly 25-200 CE and stretching roughly 62 football fields in area, Lion City can now be found at 85-130ft beneath the surface of Thousand Island Lake – an area that was intentionally flooded in the 1950s to create a damn.
The architecture and sculptures of Lion City make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with many saying that the structure rivals the beauty of Alexandria.
- Cleopatra’s Palace – Alexandrea, Egypt
Arguably the most well-known underwater city in the world. Lying just off the shores of Alexandria lies what many believe to be the palace of Cleopatra, the infamous ancient Egyptian queen. Legend has it, the ruins were dragged into the ocean depths by an earthquake over 1,5000 years ago, and has lay dormant until recently.
Along with this discovery, archaeologists also believe they have found the temple of Isis alongside them. In recent years, more than 140 artefacts have been discovered from the site and experts now believe they have located the tomb of Cleopatra and an ancient museum within the ruins.
Underwater cities are fascinating and being a diver allows you to see these wonderful places up close. Don’t forget if you need some diving lessons we have a range of scuba diving courses available on the website. And if you know of any other places under the sea that I’ve missed out? I’d love to hear about them! Comment below with your experiences!