Short Novels: What We Know About Lost Cities Built on Water

Atlantis – The Legendary Lost City

Imagine a city so advanced and powerful that its legend still echoes thousands of years later. Atlantis, as described by the philosopher Plato, was said to be an extraordinary civilization with immense wealth and sophisticated technology. Around 9,000 years before Plato’s time, Atlantis supposedly vanished beneath the waves after angering the gods, sparking endless debates about whether the story is pure myth or a distorted memory of real events. Archaeologists and adventurers have searched the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean, and even Antarctica, hoping to find its ruins, but no conclusive evidence has ever emerged. Some researchers suggest Plato may have based his story on real ancient cities destroyed by natural disasters, like Santorini. The enduring mystery of Atlantis taps into our deepest curiosity about lost knowledge and the fragility of human achievement. Even in 2025, the legend draws new theories and expeditions, keeping the myth alive in hearts and headlines.

Heracleion (Thonis) – Egypt’s Sunken Port

Once bustling with merchants, priests, and travelers, Heracleion (also called Thonis) thrived near the mouth of the Nile. This Egyptian port city gradually slipped beneath the Mediterranean around the 2nd century BC, likely due to earthquakes, soil liquefaction, and rising sea levels. In 2000, underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team rediscovered Heracleion buried in silt and water, stunning the world with colossal statues, ancient coins, and temple ruins. These discoveries offered a vivid snapshot of a city that was once Egypt’s main gateway to the Mediterranean. Archaeologists found vast networks of docks, religious artifacts linked to the cult of Osiris, and evidence of multicultural trade. Heracleion’s underwater rediscovery has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Egyptian maritime life and international commerce. Scientists are still working to map the entire city, piecing together its vibrant role in the ancient world.

Dwarka – The Submerged City of Krishna

Off India’s Gujarat coast, the sea guards the secrets of Dwarka—believed by many to be the legendary city of Lord Krishna. Ancient Hindu texts claim Dwarka was a glittering metropolis built on the shores, which sank after Krishna’s death. In recent decades, marine archaeologists have discovered underwater walls, streets, and artifacts that suggest the site was once a thriving urban center. Carbon dating and pottery analysis indicate human settlement in this region as far back as 3,500 years ago, fueling debates about its mythological connections. The city’s layout, including grid-pattern streets and stone anchors, hints at significant planning and maritime activity. While some scientists remain cautious about linking the site directly to Krishna, the evidence points to a sophisticated, ancient port city with deep spiritual and cultural roots. This ongoing mystery continues to draw pilgrims, divers, and researchers from across the world.

Pavlopetri – The World’s Oldest Submerged City

Pavlopetri, lying just off southern Greece, is perhaps the world’s oldest known sunken city, dating back to at least 3000 BCE. Discovered in 1967, Pavlopetri is remarkably well-preserved, with visible streets, tombs, courtyards, and even stone-built houses. Researchers using sonar and underwater mapping have revealed a city laid out with urban planning far ahead of its time. Pavlopetri’s submersion likely happened due to seismic activity and gradual sea-level rise, which gradually claimed the land over centuries. Pottery and artifacts unearthed here tell stories of vibrant trade with Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. The site is now protected by UNESCO, and new digital modeling techniques have allowed archaeologists to reconstruct how Pavlopetri might have looked in its prime. Its preservation under water has provided rare insight into Bronze Age daily life and architecture.

Port Royal – The “Wickedest City on Earth”

Port Royal, Jamaica, was infamous for its raucous nightlife, pirates, and lawlessness in the 1600s. Known as the “wickedest city on earth,” it attracted adventurers and outlaws from across the Caribbean. On June 7, 1692, a cataclysmic earthquake and tsunami struck, causing two-thirds of the city to sink into the sea within minutes. The disaster killed over 2,000 people and left a haunting underwater ghost town. Modern archaeologists have recovered submerged buildings, bottles, weapons, and even preserved food items, offering an unfiltered glimpse into colonial life. The underwater remains of Port Royal are now considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Americas. The tragedy of its sudden destruction is a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the fleeting nature of human excess.

Shicheng – China’s Underwater Lion City

Hidden beneath the waters of Qiandao Lake in eastern China lies Shicheng, the “Lion City,” built more than 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. In 1959, the city was deliberately flooded to create a reservoir for a hydroelectric dam, submerging its ornate temples, gates, and stone carvings. Today, Shicheng is preserved at a depth of 26–40 meters and has become a favorite for divers and underwater photographers. Its architecture, featuring five city gates and intricately carved archways, remains astonishingly intact due to the cold, oxygen-poor water. Shicheng is often called China’s “Atlantis,” and explorations using underwater drones have helped map its layout. The city is a living time capsule of imperial China, shedding light on ancient urban planning and daily life. Shicheng’s story is both a tale of loss and a celebration of cultural preservation beneath the waves.

Canopus – Egypt’s Lost Festival City

Canopus was once a lively Egyptian city renowned for its religious festivals and healing temples, especially those dedicated to the god Serapis. Over centuries, Canopus sank into the Mediterranean, likely due to a combination of soil liquefaction, coastal erosion, and seismic activity. Underwater archaeologists have uncovered remnants of massive temples, intricately carved statues, and ritual artifacts, painting a picture of a bustling spiritual center. The site also contained luxury villas and a canal system, hinting at the city’s wealth and cosmopolitan character. Recent discoveries have included Greek inscriptions and evidence of multicultural influences from Greek and Roman visitors. Canopus helps scholars understand religious syncretism in ancient Egypt and the role of water in shaping the city’s fate. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal new treasures each year.

Neapolis – Roman City Beneath the Waves

The lost city of Neapolis, located off the coast of modern-day Nabeul in Tunisia, was devastated by a tsunami in 365 AD—a disaster recorded in Roman historical texts. In 2017, underwater researchers uncovered streets, warehouses, and hundreds of ancient tanks once used to produce garum, a prized Roman fish sauce. The discovery confirmed Neapolis’s status as a major industrial hub, with evidence of Roman mosaics, public baths, and warehouses found preserved on the seabed. The underwater city highlights the vulnerability of coastal towns to natural disasters and the resilience of Roman engineering. New underwater mapping and drone technology have allowed archaeologists to reconstruct parts of the city virtually, helping us visualize daily life in ancient Neapolis. The site is now one of the largest submerged Roman cities ever found in North Africa.

Baiae – The Las Vegas of Ancient Rome

Baiae, located near modern Naples, was the playground of Rome’s elite, famous for its luxurious villas, sprawling spas, and wild parties. Over centuries, volcanic activity caused the land to sink, submerging much of Baiae under the Bay of Naples. Today, the underwater archaeological park at Baiae lets divers explore mosaics, marble statues, and ornate courtyards. Ancient sources describe Baiae as a place of scandal and excess, with emperors like Nero and Caligula frequenting its baths. Scientists have used 3D scanning to digitally “raise” the city above water, revealing impressive urban planning and engineering. The site’s preservation underwater offers rare insight into Roman leisure culture, while ongoing volcanic activity still threatens the surrounding region. Baiae stands as a reminder of how even the most decadent cities can be humbled by nature.

Rungholt – The North Sea’s Atlantis

Rungholt, often called the “Atlantis of the North Sea,” was a thriving trading center on Germany’s Frisian coast until a catastrophic storm tide in 1362 erased it from the map. Contemporary accounts describe a bustling town with churches, marketplaces, and a network of dikes and canals. Archaeologists working in the Wadden Sea have found building foundations, pottery shards, and wooden structures buried deep in mudflats. The disaster that destroyed Rungholt was so severe that it reshaped the entire coastline, leaving only legends for centuries. Recent scientific studies using ground-penetrating radar and sediment analysis have pinpointed locations of former structures. The story of Rungholt highlights how climate change and extreme weather have always threatened coastal communities. Its rediscovery fuels local folklore and ongoing research into medieval life by the sea.

Samabaj – The Mayan City Beneath Lake Atitlán

Samabaj, a lost Mayan city, lies beneath the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. First discovered in the 1990s by local divers, Samabaj was likely a ceremonial center that became submerged between 250 and 600 AD due to rising water levels, possibly caused by volcanic activity. Archaeologists have identified stone altars, plazas, and even small pyramids on the lakebed, suggesting the city’s role as a religious hub. Pottery and other artifacts recovered from the site indicate continuous Mayan settlement in the area. The preservation of structures underwater has allowed researchers to study Mayan religious practices in a unique context. Samabaj is now protected as an archaeological site, and continued exploration has revealed new insights into the spiritual life of ancient Mesoamericans.

Kekova – A Sunken Lycian City in Turkey

Kekova, on Turkey’s turquoise coast, was partially submerged by a series of earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. The ancient Lycian city’s half-sunken ruins can still be seen from the surface, with stone staircases and building walls visible beneath the clear water. Tourists flock to Kekova to kayak over ancient streets and peer into the past, while archaeologists work to document what remains. The site includes remnants of houses, tombs, and a Byzantine church, all hinting at a thriving maritime culture. Earthquakes repeatedly damaged and eventually partly submerged the city, but its ruins now form a striking blend of history and natural beauty. Kekova’s preservation underwater has made it a model for sustainable tourism and heritage protection in Turkey.

Yonaguni Monument – Japan’s Underwater Enigma

Off the coast of Yonaguni Island in Japan, divers discovered massive stone formations in 1986, sparking heated debate: are these the remains of a lost city or simply strange natural geology? The Yonaguni Monument features terraces, steps, and what appear to be carved pillars, leading some to claim it’s evidence of an ancient civilization submerged by an earthquake around 10,000 years ago. Others argue the features are natural, shaped by tectonic activity and ocean currents. So far, no artifacts or clear signs of habitation have been found, but the mystery lingers. Underwater mapping and 3D modeling continue to fuel speculation and tourism. Yonaguni’s enigmatic shapes remain one of the world’s greatest underwater puzzles, inviting new theories year after year.

Venice – A Living City Built on Water

Venice is unique among water cities: it’s not lost, but it’s fighting every day to stay afloat. Founded in the 5th century, Venice was ingeniously built on wooden piles driven into the soft mud of a lagoon, creating a city of canals, bridges, and palazzos. Rising sea levels and ground subsidence threaten its survival, with major floods (acqua alta) now more frequent due to climate change. Recent engineering projects like MOSE—a system of mobile barriers—aim to protect Venice from storm surges, but the city remains vulnerable. Venice is a living reminder of both human ingenuity and fragility, blending history, art, and the ever-present challenge of water. Its struggles spotlight the urgent need to protect our cultural treasures from environmental threats.

Nan Madol – Pacific City of Stone Canals

Nan Madol, located off the coast of Pohnpei in Micronesia, is a maze of over 100 man-made islets, built atop a lagoon using massive basalt stones. Dating from the 8th to the 17th centuries, Nan Madol has been called the “Venice of the Pacific” due to its network of canals. Archaeologists believe it was a political and religious center for the Saudeleur dynasty, with stone tombs, temples, and palaces. The engineering required to transport and stack thousands of tons of stone is still a marvel, with recent studies using drone mapping to uncover more about its construction. The site faces threats from rising sea levels and encroaching mangroves, prompting international efforts to preserve it. Nan Madol remains one of the world’s most mysterious and awe-inspiring ancient water cities.

The City Beneath Lake Reschen – Italy’s Towering Reminder

In northern Italy, a church steeple rises eerily from the waters of Lake Reschen, marking the spot where the village of Graun once stood. In 1950, the village was deliberately flooded to create a reservoir for electricity generation, displacing hundreds of residents. The church tower, built in the 14th century, was left standing as a silent witness to the lost community below. When the lake freezes in winter, visitors can walk out to the steeple, making it a popular—if melancholy—tourist attraction. The drowned village beneath is now a symbol of sacrifice in the name of progress and energy. The story of Lake Reschen is a modern reminder that lost cities are not only relics of the distant past.

Epecuén – Argentina’s Flooded Town

Epecuén, once a thriving lakeside resort in Argentina, became a ghost town in 1985 when a dam burst, flooding the area with salty lake water. For nearly 25 years, Epecuén remained submerged, its buildings and streets preserved in briny silence. As waters finally receded in the 2000s, a haunting landscape of skeletal trees and ruined hotels emerged, attracting photographers, urban explorers, and former residents. The salt left surreal white crystals, giving the town an otherworldly appearance. Today, Epecuén stands as a stark example of how quickly nature can reclaim what humans build. The town is now a tourist site and a case study for climate scientists examining the long-term effects of flooding.

Tenochtitlán – The Aztec Water City

Tenochtitlán, the dazzling capital of the Aztec Empire, was built on a series of islands in Lake Texcoco, connected by causeways and crisscrossed by canals. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519, they marveled at its floating gardens, bustling markets, and intricate water management systems. The city’s lake-based design made it both defensible and fertile, but after the Spanish conquest, the lake was gradually drained to make way for modern Mexico City. Archaeologists have uncovered remains of temples, canals, and ceremonial platforms beneath the city’s streets, proving its watery origins. Tenochtitlán’s story is a testament to ancient engineering and the rich cultural heritage still hidden beneath today’s metropolis.

Dwelling Lake Settlements – Europe’s Prehistoric Water Villages

Across the lakes of the Alps in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Germany, archaeologists have uncovered hundreds of prehistoric pile dwellings, dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age (roughly 5000–500 BCE). These communities built their homes on wooden stilts above the water, protecting themselves from floods, animals, and invaders. Excavations have revealed wooden walkways, pottery, tools, and even ancient grains, offering a remarkable glimpse into early European life. The waterlogged conditions have preserved organic materials for thousands of years, making these sites invaluable for scientific study. UNESCO now recognizes these settlements as World Heritage Sites. Their survival shows the ingenuity of our ancestors in adapting to life on and near water.

The Lost Villages of the Saint Lawrence River – Canada

In the 1950s, Canada undertook the massive Saint Lawrence Seaway project, flooding entire communities in Ontario to improve shipping routes. Over 6,500 people were displaced, and at least ten villages were lost beneath the rising waters. Scuba divers and boaters can still see roads, building foundations, and churches submerged in the river’s depths. Local museums and historical societies have worked to preserve the memories and artifacts of these villages, while the underwater ruins now attract explorers and documentarians. The story of the Lost Villages is a poignant reminder of the costs of progress and the resilience of displaced communities. Today, these submerged remnants offer a unique window into Canadian history and the sacrifices made for modern infrastructure.