Sunken Cities
Sunken cities are among the most fascinating treasures of the deep ocean that divers love to explore. Taking us back through time, and in some cases, carrying long lost treasures that are difficult to even imagine, they are among the wonders of the deep ocean, and what’s even more fascinating is that many of them have not even been discovered yet.
Earthquakes, floods and sometimes even wars and weapons have led to the destruction of civilization throughout time. Some were simply wiped from the face of the earth, while entire cities have ended up on the bottom of the ocean. Volcanic activity or the gradual shift in sea levels due to reasons such as global warming can also be a possible cause, shaping islands and sometimes shifting land masses enough to submerge coastal cities in a heartbeat. A clear example of the latter is Venice – a city that is rapidly sinking into the Adriatic sea, for now, defying the power of human technology and ingenuity.
Some might consider that Atlantis and other legendary sunken cities are certain to not exist, since modern technology would most likely have found them by now. However, it is important to grasp the concept of just how little we still know about the ocean floor and how much uncharted territory still exists. Even vast areas above the surface, such as the Siberian tundra, Greenland or the Amazon rainforest are
still extremely difficult to explore. Oceans and seas make up around 70% of the Earth’s surface, and, in some areas, raging currents, crushing water pressure and the extreme cold of the deep ocean make it difficult to even submerge probes, much less explore the region thoroughly. Therefore, finding a sunken city like Atlantis, for instance, might require either a significant amount of good fortune, or far more advanced technology than we currently possess.
While there are probably many other submerged ruins that have yet to be discovered, many of the underwater cities we have already put on the map can be visited by divers and even snorkelers. Some sites, such as Port Royal, may require a special permit to be allowed to visit them, others, such as Shicheng, may be more fitted for advanced divers due to the difficult underwater conditions, while others – for instance, Pavlopetri – are incredibly easy to access regardless of diving experience and skill level. Exploring the relics themselves is a valuable, unforgettable experience, but that’s not all: most submerged ruins provide the ideal habitat for incredibly varied fauna and flora, which marine life enthusiasts will surely want to see. What is important to keep in mind when diving in these places is that you must pay great attention to the regulations in the area, as sunken cities are historical treasures that must be protected and treated with respect – just as much as the fragile marine life they give home to.
nd volcano studies seem to suggest that Mt Etna erupted in that time period – about 8,500 years ago. The violent eruption not only seems to be the reason behind the sudden abandonment of the city, but may have been the cause of it being submerged, due to tidal waves that have affected certain other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea as well. Yet the true mystery of the settlement is that, even after thousands of years, it has remained largely untouched.
Atlit Yam is an early city that dates back to the Neolithic era, around the 7th millennium BC. The submerged shipwrecks and settlements in the region are remarkably well-preserved and are able to show divers a clear window to the past of this unique community. Even the burial grounds are intact, offering an eerie view to the visitors. The site is huge, covering about 40 sq. km, and comprises twelve structures that have already been excavated, with courtyards and plazas between them – a landscape that will leave any diver in awe. Another interesting feature you will be able to see during your dive is a 5.5 m deep stone well at the bottom of which archeologists have discovered remnants of animal bones, wood and flint, suggesting that, at some point, the structured ceased to be used as a well, being turned into a disposal pit.
Today, Atlit Yam is considered one of Israel’s most famous prehistoric sites, and both scientists and tourist divers find it an incredibly interesting place to explore. Due to the relatively accessible depth and the gentle waters in the region, the city is quite easy to visit even by beginning divers. Atlit-Yam is seen by many as a modern day real life Neolithic “museum” that divers can investigate on a regular basis.
surface ruins. Now property of Russia, the submerged city is said to contain the oldest known acropolis discovered in modern day Russia, while most evidence cannot confirm the claim of the city being destroyed by an invasion. The true cause of Phanagoria’s downfall is, as of yet, still unknown.
The underwater city was nicknamed the “Russian Atlantis” due to its massive port structures, statues and necropolis being completely submerged. Divers can explore here large marble plinths, representing the bases of huge statues and structures, as well as numerous smaller relics that paint a vivid picture of the city’s history, preserved by gentle sea currents. Unlike in the case of many other underwater cities, uncovering the secrets of Phanagoria through excavations is an extremely slow and tedious process, not only because of the fact that the city is underwater, but mainly since it’s buried under a thick layer of sand and over 7 meters of dirt.
re than 40 meters under the surface of Lake Qiandao. Divers here can explore houses made out of brick and wood that can be found in perfect condition, as the still, cool waters of the lake are able to preserve them in a much more efficient fashion than they would have been kept, if the city remained as it was. Considering this is a lake dive, it is important for tourists to keep in mind that visibility can easily and suddenly deteriorate, thus extra care must be taken when moving under the water.
Shicheng is now one of the most beautiful destinations for diving enthusiasts in China, becoming somewhat of a wonder of the underwater world.
