There are more ancient cities now underwater than you might imagine. Over the years, some of these submerged civilizations have been explained. Others, however, have remained mysteries. Thanks to modern-day technology, we have the ability to see them and bring them to life again. Here then, without further adieu, are 10 of the most mysterious underwater cities of the ancient world.

1. Dwarka, India

Dwarka is referenced in the Hindus’ holy book. This once “mythological” metropolis was thought to have been built by none other than Lord Krishna 5000 years ago. It was also thought to have many palaces.

Many were said to have been made with precious silver and gold. Its ruins were more recently discovered by the famous National Institute of Ocean Technology in the Gulf of Khambhat. Using carbon dating, researchers determined that this ancient city is approximately 9,000 years old. Today it’s one of India’s biggest tourist attractions.

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2. Shicheng, China

Also known as “the Lion City,” this place was thought to be at least 1300 years old. In 1959 the city was flooded because the government was constructing a dam on the famous Xin’an River. The end result was the Qiandao Lake.
Shicheng was constructed in 25-200 AD during the Eastern Hand Dynasty. It’s ancient buildings and other structures are thus highlighted by rich Chinese craftsmanship. Indeed, it features several stone structures, five gates, and 265 memorial arches. Because the diving routes have aren’t fully mapped, only trained divers are permitted to visit.
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3. Gulf of Cambay, India

This ancient city is located nearly 4.m under the sea. The research team discovered this mysterious metropolis as an accidental result of their study of the amount of water pollution there in 2002. It is thought to be 5,000 years old. A team of divers discovered beads, sculptures, and pieces of pottery there. Scientists believe this place must have once been situated in a coastal area that was engulfed by rising ocean water after numerous glaciers melted during the last ice age.
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4. Pavlopetri, Greece

Discovered back in 1967, the true name of this sunken city still remains unknown. Scientists believe that whatever it was called, it was part of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula prior to sinking roughly 5,000 years ago. Divers discovered an entire community from streets to tombs in a place considered by some to be a Mycenaean civilization. Other archaeologists believe the city could actually be part of a Minoan civilization. Indeed, at last report, the undersea site was being studied by teams from both the University of Nottingham and the University of Cambridge.
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5. Olous, Greece

Many snorkelers and divers have already explored the ruins of the ancient city of Olous. It is believed to once have been on the northeastern end of Crete. It was reportedly home to between 30,000 and 40,000 people.
One ancient outer wall remains above water level. In fact, floors, murals, and coins have also been discovered there. The research team thinks that an extremely powerful earthquake may have caused the city to drop beneath the waves.
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6. Thonis or Heracleion, Greece

Whether one calls it Thonis or Heracleion, experts say that this underwater city is one of the oldest cities known to man. Over the years it has become the subject or setting of many different legends. One such legend claims that the god Hercules was named Heracleion because of Hercules’ visit to the city.
Helen of Troy also was said to have visited the city. Founded some time in the 8th Century BC, it once played an important religious role because it was here that the temple of Amun was built. Natural catastrophes are blamed for its submersion.
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7. Lake Titicaca’s Temple, Peru

Lake Titicaca is one of the world’s highest lakes. Locals consider it to be sacred. The Akakor Geographical diving team found a number of different walls, roads, and terraces in this 1500-year-old underwater city.
They also discovered a temple that was originally 200 meters high. Experts are still uncertain as to what sunk this city. It’s also referred to as Also known as “the Birthplace of the Incas.” Inca mythology reports that the first Inca king, Manco Capac, was born at this lake. Also known as “the Birthplace of the Sun”, because local legend has it that the god Viracocha rose from this spot to create the stars, the sun, and the first humans.
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8. The Pyramid of Yonaguni, Japan

The Pyramid of Yonaguni was discovered in 1985. Located in one of the world’s greatest lost submerged cities, this monument was found by dive tour operator Kihachiro Aratake. Archaeologists have examined the man-made pyramid and have determined it is part of the fabled lost Pacific civilization known as Mu.
Researchers report the structure is 10,000 years old. It has a design similar to that of pyramids in Central America. The rock formation is called “Jacques eyes” or “the face” because it looks like a huge head.
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9. Heracleion, Egypt

Also known as Thonis-Heracleion, this mysterious metropolis is reported to be more than 1,200 years old. Sunken off the northern coast of Egypt, it was originally located close to the Canopic Mouth of the famous Nile River. It is one of the oldest places in the Mediterranean. Divers have found numerous things including coins, anchors and a stele. Everything discovered there in inscribed in Egyptian or ancient Greek. Often mentioned by a number of Greek historians, it grew in importance during the final days of the famous Pharaohs.
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10. Port Royal, Jamaica

Founded by the Spanish in the year 1518, the village of Port Royal is situated in Kingston Harbor. Once famous for privateers and pirates alike, it currently includes 2000 buildings and four different forts. Once the largest city in the entire Caribbean, it was reportedly built partially on silt. It is believed that a big earthquake and accompanying tsunami on June 7 in 1692 was responsible for sinking a significant portion of the original city into the Caribbean.

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