Sunken Cities Of The Ancient World

Port Royal, Jamaica

Once referred to as the ‘Wickedest City on Earth’ (because of its rampant piracy, prostitution and rum consumption), part of Port Royal sank after an earthquake in 1692. The ruins scattered in the Kingston Harbor, and currently, the remains of the city encompasses 13 acres at depths of up to 40 feet. Archaeological investigations of the site began in 1981, led by the Nautical Archaeology Program of Texas A&M University. The investigations unearthed historical documents, organic artefacts and vast amount of architectural debris.

Yonaguni-Jima, Japan

Some 68 miles past the east coast of Taiwan, off the coast of Yonaguni Islands, a sunken ruin was discovered by a sport diver, in 1995. The ruins are estimated to be around 8,000 years old, however, it is still unclear which missing city they made up. The most spectacular discovery amongst the submerged ruins is a large pyramid structure, finely designed archways resembling the Inca civilization, staircases and hallways, and carved stones.

Baiae and Portus Julius, Italy

Baiae was an ancient Roman town overlooking the Bay of Naples, where rich Romans and emperors whiled away their time in their villas. It was also connected to the Roman Empire’s biggest naval base, Portus Julius. However, the town and port were built on a tract of volcanic land, the activity of which is said to have caused the structure to collapse into the ocean.

Pavlopetri, Greece

The ruins of the ancient Mycenaean town of Pavlopetri date back to the Neolithic period (2,800 BC), and unveil a cultural hub of ancient Greece. The submerged city was discovered three to four metres off the coast of southern Laconia, and has many intact buildings, courtyards, streets, chamber tombs and graves. Pavlopetri was believed to be a thriving harbour town and sheds light on many mysteries of the Mycenaean civilization.


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