These 5 once-thriving cities now lie underwater

Atlantis and Alexandria are two perfect examples of cities that are now submerged underwater. However, they are not the only ones that have disappeared throughout history.

There are cities that were flooded due to natural disasters, such as floods caused by rising sea levels, although the construction of reservoirs and dams on the land where these cities were built contributed to their disappearance as well. These are some of the cities that lie beneath the sea.

Port Royal, Jamaica

During the 17th century, Port Royal was the seat of the British government in Jamaica. In 1962, the city’s population was estimated at around 10,000. It was known as ‘the wickedest city in history’ because it was a haven for pirates. Despite this, it was an important commercial center worldwide.

Today, it is considered one of the oldest regions in Jamaica. In 1962, a tsunami destroyed the city of Port Royal, which was submerged underwater.

Baia, Italy

Known for the quality of its thermal waters and its architecture, the city was built near the Phlegraean Fields, a volcanic caldera located about six miles from the city of Naples. Important figures such as Julius Caesar had luxurious residences in this city, where Emperor Hadrian died in 138 AD.

A series of tectonic movements in the 3rd and 4th centuries caused this city to sink. Since 2002, it has been designated a Marine Protected Area.

Thonis-Heracleion, Egypt

This is considered to be the first city in Egypt where Hercules settled. Thonis was the city’s original name until the arrival of the Greeks, which is why it acquired the double name. It was built on the site of the present-day Nile Delta. In its time, it was a port where goods from all over the world were loaded and unloaded.

Shicheng, China

This city, also known as the ‘Lion City’, was built near Mount Wu Shi. It was a political and economic powerhouse in the 3rd century during the reign of Sun Quan, who founded the Wu Kingdom. The city remained until 1957, when the Xin’an River dam was constructed. The city lies approximately 100 feet underwater.

Pavlopetri, Greece

Submerged off the southern coast of Laconia, Greece, this is the oldest known submerged city in the world. It was located on the west coast of the Cape Malea peninsula, near the island of Elafonisos. The reasons for its sinking are unknown. Recent studies of the submerged ruins indicate that the site was inhabited during the Bronze Age.

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