Ancient Sunken City Dubbed ‘Las Vegas of Rome’ Discovered 

Divers have taken new pictures of an underwater city near Naples in Italy. Baia in the Gulf of Naples has been dubbed the Las Vegas of Rome and was reportedly enjoyed by the rich and famous in ancient times, measuring around 177 hectares. Explorers have discovered well-preserved statues and marble floors with intricate designs buried around 20 feet below the water. Experts say the newly photographed parts of the city date back thousands of years, and they believe the area was probably used as a reception area for parties and glamorous events. 

Archeologists say that the Baia area was a lavish resort for the rich and famous up to 2,000 years ago, and luminaries such as Julius Caesar and Cleopatra were among its patrons. Archeologist John Smout said, “Rumour has it that Cleopatra escaped in her boat from Baia after Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 BC.”

Counted among the ancient stoics, the philosopher of Rome, Seneca, once described Baia as the “city full of sin” due to the prevalence of naked and drunken romps. 

Experts say volcanic activity in the area probably caused Baia’s ultimate downfall. Archeologists believe bradyseism caused the city to sink underwater and describe the bradyseism process as “the gradual rise and fall of the Earth’s surface caused by hydrothermal and seismic activity.” 

Baia is just one of several ancient cities discovered underwater worldwide. Thonis-Heracleion in Egypt, for instance, is believed to be where the Greek hero Hercules first set foot in Egypt. Located at the mouth of the River Nile, explorers have uncovered hieroglyphics dating back to the fourth century. It was also a major port and shipping route, evidenced by dozens of underwater shipwrecks nearby.

The Yonaguni Monument in Japan is one of the world’s most mysterious underwater sites. Some historians believe it points to a civilization more than 10,000 years old, and discoveries include arches, staircases, and ancient written scripts. 

Dwarka, or “Gateway to Heaven,” was discovered in 1988 in the Gulf of Cambay near India. It comprises pillars and ancient sculptures and is believed to date back an incredible 32,000 years.