Divers have an advantage over non-diving history buffs: we have the ability to explore underwater ruins all over the world. Lost civilizations, incredible underwater temples, and simple homes beckon from their resting places beneath the world’s lakes, oceans, and seas. Here are seven to explore for yourself.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria at Pharos
On the eastern tip of the ancient island of Pharos, a submerged concrete wall led archaeologists to discover the extensive underwater ruins that covered 2.5 hectares. Besides immense granite blocks from the lighthouse’s main structure, many of them about 11 meters long, and estimated to weigh as much as 75 tons, outlying elements including marble and granite columns were found. Some of these columns are 2.4 meters in diameter, the same as Pompey’s Column, which you can still see in Alexandria today.
In addition, some pieces of pharaonic monuments were discovered, including four hieroglyphic inscribed obelisks with the last dating back to the early third century BCE. Several statues were also discovered, including 28 sphinxes dating from the middle kingdom to the last dynasties, with the oldest being dated to mid-19th century BCE. Among the statues were fragments of five which were truly colossal, including forms representing Ptolemy and a female companion. Every traveler entering the port would have passed the structure and its monuments, as they stood at the foot of the Pharos, guarding what was certainly one of the most celebrated of all Alexandria’s monuments, and which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Lying between just 6 and 8 meters beneath the water, this incredible site is easily accessible to divers visiting Alexandria.
Villa a Protiro, Baia Italy
Between the end of the second century BCE and the beginning of the third century, CE, Baia was a prestigious Roman colony, where the wealthy, including Julius Caesar, built magnificent villas. Due to geologic changes, the area gradually sunk to a depth of seven meters. Truly monumental, Villa Protiro features an entryway framed by two stone benches, plus several different rooms situated around a central atrium. Inside the rooms, there are magnificent mosaic floors in black and white marble tile. Nearby, a sunken road and some buildings that are believed to have been taverns can be seen. This site is part of the Baia Archaeological Park, which includes several other villas and various ruins, along with the fabled Portus Julius. Local dive operators conduct regular trips to the underwater archaeological park.
India’s Submerged Temples of Mahabalipuram
In April of 2002, archaeologists from India’s National Institute of Oceanography, along with members of the Dorset based Scientific Exploration Society, discovered the remains of six submerged temples just a short distance from the famous Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, adding credibility to the popular belief that the remaining temple was indeed one of a series of seven temples. At each location, various stone masonry elements were discovered, including square and rectangular stone blocks, huge platforms with steps leading to them, and the remains of walls. Arranged around a natural geologic rock formation, the temples were adorned with amazing frescoes and sculptures; the same depiction of a lion was found at four of the sites. Another sculpture depicting an elephant was discovered nearby, and pottery and smaller building stones have also been discovered. The six temples, which would have had pagoda-like structures, and which date back to the Hindu Pallava dynasty that dominated South India from about the first century BC to the eighth century AD, are slowly revealing themselves. Divers visiting Mahabalipuram may be able to contact the National Institute of Oceanography to find out whether they may join an archaeological team on site.
Canada’s Lost Villages
In the Canadian Province of Ontario, the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1958 submerged ten communities. The former townships of Cornwall and Osnabruck, near the area now known as South Stormont, were intentionally flooded; during the controversial process families and business owners were moved to Ingleside and Long Sault.
Just four days after the cofferdam demolition of July 1, 1958, these towns, along with Morrisburg, Iroquois, and outlying homes were completely covered, as was part of the provincial Highway 2 and the old locks that once allowed ships to pass through the Cornwall Canal. Many architectural elements can still be seen, including sidewalks and foundations; depths are shallow and when water levels are low some elements can be see above the waterline. Divers can visit the sites easily when visiting Ontario; most are accessible from the Long Sault Parkway.
Kekova-Simena, Turkey
An ancient Lycian city sits just offshore from the Turkish fishing village of Kaleköy, where portions of its structure can still be seen standing today. Overshadowed by a well-preserved castle which was built by the knights of Rhodes, and bordered by a Lycian necropolis where various sarcophagi overlook the sea from the shelter of ancient olive trees, these ruins include more sarcophagi, along with several residences and other structures, many of which are only partially submerged. The ancient city was submerged during earthquakes that occurred during the second century, CE; today it is part of a specially protected area that covers 260 square kilometers. Visitors to Kekova can view the onshore and offshore ruins with ease; glass bottomed boats and snorkeling tours are easy ways that even non-divers can get a look at the many staircases, fountains, and other architectural elements that remain. The taking of artifacts is strictly prohibited.
The Underwater Ruins of Malta
With huge ancient structures both above and below the water, some dated to as early as 9,000 years ago, the small, rocky island of Malta has what some archaeologists suppose to be the oldest stone ruins in the world. Showing evidence of having been destroyed by a huge, cataclysmic wave, the island and its surroundings were once home to a wide array of life, even including elephants. Onshore and off, evidence of rock cut graves, large monuments with standing stones and central pavilions, huts, and other buildings provide historians with vital information about what life must have been like thousands of years ago.
Divers can visit various sites with ease, and non-divers can see part of the underwater ruins as well, as some are only partially submerged and are suitable for snorkeling.
Norway’s Hidden Valley
Norway’s narrowest valley, Norangsdalen is also known as the Hidden Valley, and as the Queen’s Route. Here, you’ll find underwater ruins that were created in 1908, when a landslide blocked the Norang River, forming a beautiful, crystal clear lake where the remains of farmhouses, roads, stone fences, and other structures can be found. The water is shallow enough that non-divers can see the ruins from the surface, but divers can enjoy swimming through old buildings and beneath sunken bridges. The Norangsdalen Valley is a popular Norwegian destination, and divers find accessing the ruins easy, as they can be reached from shore.
These are just a few of the hundreds of sunken civilization sites that can be found around the globe; amazing discoveries are made on a regular basis, reshaping the way we think about our human ancestors. Whether you’re a budding history buff or a seasoned historian, you’ll find these sites to be a truly fascinating addition to your diving log.