The ancient Mycenean city of Pavlopetri isn’t as old as some of the artifacts I’ve found, but it is unusual in that it is a planned and organized town with buildings, streets, courtyards, tombs and religious structures. It is about 5,000 years old, which is causing some to wonder whether it may in fact have been the real-life model for Homer’s lost city of Atlantis.
The sunken city lies on the ocean floor off the southern Peloponnesse near the town of Neapolis and is believed to have sunk around 1000 BC. Currently, it is known to occupy about 30,000 square meters of ocean floor. It was originally discovered in 1967 by a British oceanographer, but was finally properly surveyed by marine archaeologists with the aid of digital technology. It is believed to have sunk into the water when three earthquake episodes pushed the ground down, taking the town with it.
Remains found at the site have been dated from 2800 to 1200 BC, and include thousands of pottery sherds dating back to the end of the stone age. The richness of detail found in the remains of the town will keep archaeologists and anthropologists busy for years and will provide unprecedented insight into the lives and culture of the Mycenean people.
The site is only 3 to 4 meters deep in relatively clear water and can be accessed by divers using snorkels or air tanks. It is protected by Greece.
If you’re interested in in-depth information on Pavlopetri, go here and here
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