Throughout history, several once-flourishing cities have vanished beneath the waves, victims of natural disasters and human engineering projects alike. Among the most famous are Atlantis and Alexandria, iconic examples of urban centers now submerged underwater. Yet these are far from the only cities lost to the depths.
Some cities succumbed to rising sea levels and catastrophic floods, while others were deliberately flooded due to the construction of reservoirs and dams. These submerged sites tell stories of vibrant pasts disrupted by nature or infrastructure development, preserving a glimpse of history under the sea.
Port Royal and Baia: A Tale of Two Sunken Cities
In the Caribbean, Port Royal in Jamaica once thrived as the British colonial administration’s hub during the 17th century. Its population reached approximately 10,000 by 1962. Famously dubbed “the wickedest city in history,” Port Royal was notorious for harboring pirates, but it also served as a vital commercial port on the global stage. That same year, a devastating tsunami struck, submerging much of the city beneath the sea. Today, Port Royal stands as one of Jamaica’s oldest regions, its ruins a haunting reminder beneath the waves.
Further east in Italy lies the ancient city of Baia, once celebrated for its thermal springs and exquisite architecture. Situated near the volcanic caldera of the Phlegraean Fields, just six miles from Naples, Baia was a favored retreat for Rome’s elite. Historical figures such as Julius Caesar owned lavish residences there, and Emperor Hadrian passed away within its bounds in 138 AD. However, during the 3rd and 4th centuries, a series of tectonic shifts caused the city to gradually sink beneath the sea. Recognizing its archaeological significance, Baia was declared a Marine Protected Area in 2002, safeguarding its submerged heritage for future generations.