The Mysterious Sunken Cities of the World

The legend of Atlantis has captivated the imagination of many people for centuries. But did you know that there are real sunken cities that exist in different parts of the world? These cities were once thriving centers of civilization, culture, and trade, but they met their demise due to various natural or human-made causes. Some of them have been rediscovered and explored by archaeologists and divers, while others remain shrouded in mystery. In this article, we will take you on a journey to four of the most amazing and intriguing sunken cities of the world: Pholus, Shicheng, Atlit Yam, and Pampart.

Pholus: The Lost Port City of Greece

Pholus was a prosperous port city that flourished in the 10th century BC in Greece. It was located on a small island near the mouth of the Nile River, and it was a major trading hub between the Mediterranean and the Near East. Pholus was also known for its sacred springs, where the residents believed they could find hidden treasures. However, the cause of its submergence is still unknown. Some historians suggest that it was due to earthquakes, tsunamis, or rising sea levels.

Pholus was rediscovered in 1933 by an RAF pilot who spotted some ruins underwater. Since then, several underwater expeditions have been conducted to explore the sunken city. Archaeologists have found many artifacts, such as statues, columns, temples, coins, and jewelry, that reveal the rich and diverse culture of Pholus. Some of the most remarkable discoveries include a colossal statue of the god Hapi, the largest stone representation of an Egyptian god ever found, and a stele that bears a decree from King Nectanebo I, the last native ruler of ancient Egypt.

Shicheng: The Ancient City of China

Shicheng, which means “Lion City” in Chinese, was a city that dated back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-200 AD) in China. It was situated at the foot of the Wu Shi Mountain (Five Lion Mountain) in the Zhejiang Province, and it was a political and economic center of the region. Shicheng was also famous for its architecture and urban planning, which reflected the styles of different dynasties that ruled over China for over a thousand years.

Shicheng was deliberately submerged in 1959 to create an artificial lake for a hydroelectric power plant. The water preserved the city from wind, sun, and rain, and kept it in a good condition. Shicheng was rediscovered in 2001 by a diving club, and since then, it has attracted many divers and tourists who want to see the underwater city. Some of the sights include stone streets, walls, gates, temples, statues, and carvings, which are still intact and clearly visible.

Atlit Yam: The Prehistoric Village of Israel

Atlit Yam is one of the oldest and best-preserved submerged prehistoric settlements in the world. It is located off the coast of Atlit, Israel, and it dates back to the Neolithic period, around 9,000 years ago. Atlit Yam was a village of about 300 people who lived in stone houses and practiced agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, and hunting. They also had a well, a stone circle, and a cemetery.

Atlit Yam was submerged by the sea due to a combination of factors, such as climate change, volcanic activity, and a possible tsunami. It was discovered in 1984 by a marine archaeologist who noticed ancient remains on the seabed. Since then, many underwater surveys and excavations have been carried out to study the site. Some of the most interesting findings include human skeletons, some of which show signs of tuberculosis, a megalithic structure that may have been used for ritual purposes, and a collection of 65 wheat grains that may be the earliest evidence of domesticated plants.

Pampart: The Oldest Civilization of India

Pampart is a controversial and mysterious sunken city that was discovered in the Gulf of Cambay, India, in 2000. According to some researchers, Pampart is the oldest civilization in the world, dating back to 9,500 BC, and it predates the Indus Valley Civilization by 4,000 years. Pampart was a sophisticated and advanced city that had a grid-like pattern, brick structures, a drainage system, and a port.

Pampart was submerged by a massive flood that may have been caused by a comet impact or a tectonic event. It was detected by a sonar survey conducted by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, which revealed geometric structures underwater. Further investigations using carbon dating, dredging, and acoustic imaging have yielded various artifacts, such as pottery, beads, wood, bones, and human remains. However, the authenticity and interpretation of these findings have been disputed by many scholars, who argue that they are not conclusive or reliable. Therefore, Pampart remains an enigma that awaits further exploration and verification.

Conclusion

The sunken cities of the world are fascinating examples of how human civilizations have interacted with their natural environments throughout history. They offer us a glimpse into the past, and they challenge us to unravel their secrets and mysteries. They also remind us of the fragility and resilience of life on Earth, and the potential for discovery and adventure that lies beneath the surface of the water.