5 ancient cities that are now underwater

Historically, it has been witnessed that civilisations have often settled near water. bodies. But what happens when these waters reclaim the land? As per the records, many cities ended up submerged due to rising sea levels, natural disasters, or intentional flooding for dam construction over the centuries. These underwater cities serve as powerful reminders of nature's formidable force. If you were not aware of this, here are some real cities that are entirely underwater.

Dwarka, India

Rooted in Hindu mythology, Dwarka is believed to be the fabled city associated with Lord Krishna, as documented in ancient scriptures such as the Mahabharata. It is hypothesised to have been submerged underwater centuries ago. Archaeologists and historians have been fascinated by this narrative for many generations. Submerged ruins found off the coast of Gujarat have fueled speculation, although the precise location of this legendary city still remains a topic of debate.

Baiae, Italy

Once referred to as the ancient Roman equivalent of Las Vegas, Baiae was a hedonistic resort area along the Mediterranean coastline. Its underwater demise, most likely caused by volcanic forces, resulted in the city becoming submerged. As of now, the 2,000-year-old ruins rest remarkably well-preserved beneath the waves, providing snorkellers a window into the lavish extravagance of the ancient past.

Lion City, China

Situated beneath the surface of Qiandao Lake in China's Zhejiang Province lies the sunken city of Lion City, or Shi Cheng, which was established over 13 centuries ago. The city was submerged in 1959 during the construction of the Xin'an River Hydropower Station. Today, the well-preserved ruins of Lion City draw in divers and underwater photographers fascinated by this remarkable historical site.

Port Royal, Jamaica

In the 17th century, Port Royal rose to prominence as an infamous haven for pirates and one of the Caribbean's most prosperous cities. In 1692, a catastrophic earthquake caused a large portion of the city to plunge into the sea. Today, Port Royal has become a popular diving destination, enabling explorers to delve into the submerged ruins of its once-thriving streets.

Heracleion, Egypt

Heracleion was once a thriving port city situated at the mouth of the Nile River, serving as a significant trade hub in ancient Egypt. However, the city ultimately vanished beneath the Mediterranean Sea due to a combination of natural disasters and rising sea levels. Rediscovered by underwater archaeologists, Heracleion now stands as an underwater archaeological wonder, providing invaluable insights into the civilisation of ancient Egypt.