Mind Blowing Underwater Cities

(Source: amazingbeautifulworld)

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.
 

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.


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.


 

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.


 

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.


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.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: