Indeed, investigations revealed a wattle walkway with associated posts, fossilized human and animal footprints, as well as some human tools. Several decades ago, the emergence of prehistoric forests during stormy weather in Cardigan Bay, in the west of Wales, led to the suggestion that it may be the location of the legendary Cantre’r Gwaelod. An earlier version of the legend associated with Maes Gwyddno asserts that the land was submerged under water when Mererid, a priestess of a fairy well, allowed the water to overflow, sinking the kingdom forever. Up to around the 17th century, Cantre’r Gwaelod was known as Maes Gwyddno (meaning ‘Gwyddno’s Land’), so named after this Welsh ruler. Is this a long-lost sunken kingdom? (Richerman/ CC BY SA 3.0 )ĭuring the sixth century, a legendary kingdom known as Cantre’r Gwaelod (meaning ‘The Lowland Hundred’) was said to have been ruled over by a king by the name of Gwyddno Garanhir. These stories have never been substantiated, and are viewed by some as tall tales.Ĭantre'r Gwaelod – The Mythical Sunken Kingdom of WalesĬantre’r Gwaelod, or The Lowland Hundred: The stumps are the remains of an ancient submerged forest that extends along the coast. Indeed, fisherman near the Scilly Isles tell tales of retrieving pieces of buildings and other structures from their fishing nets.
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Evidence shows that sea levels were considerably lower in the past, so it’s possible that an area that once contained a human settlement above-ground is now beneath the sea. While the Arthurian tales are legendary, there is some belief that Lyonesse was once a very real place attached to the Scilly Isles in Cornwall, England. Once it was covered in water, the land never re-emerged. Very suddenly the land was flooded by the sea, entire villages were swallowed, and the people and animals drowned. It’s said to have disappeared on Novem(although some tales use the year 1089, and some date back to the 6th century). Prior to its sinking, Lyonesse would have been quite large, containing 140 villages and churches. It’s now referred to as the “Lost Land of Lyonesse,” as it is ultimately said to have sunk into the sea. In Arthurian legend, Lyonesse is the home country of Tristan, from the legendary story of Tristan and Isolde. Lost Land of Lyonesse: Legendary City on the Bottom of the SeaĪrtist’s depiction of Lyonesse being swept away. Ancient Sunken Cities and Artifacts to be revealed with Ambitious Underwater Museum in Egypt.The Underwater Temple Garden: A Unique Fusion of Bouyancy and Enlightenment.The recent discoveries have sparked renewed interest in the Mahabalipuram legend and many say the myth of the seven submerged temples might one day be considered a true historical event. These objects include a large stone lion found on Mahabalipuram’s beach, as well as a half-completed rock relief of an elephant. During the tsunami, it was reported that “a long, straight row of large rocks emerge(d) from the water just before the waters rushed back again.” The force of the tsunami managed to expose some objects that were covered by centuries of silt. Only the Shore Temple, still visible today, was left above the water as evidence that this beautiful city had once existed.Įvidence for the submerged temples emerged following the devastating tsunami that occurred December 26, 2004. Myths say the beauty of Mahabalipuram aroused the jealousy of Indra, the deva of rain and storms, so the deity submerged the city under the sea during a great storm. The ‘Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram’ was one of the architectural achievements of the Pallava Dynasty (3rd - 9th century AD).
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Mahabalipuram is an ancient city located in the Kancheepuram district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Quest for the Mythical Submerged Temples of Mahabalipuram Sometimes marine archaeologists are lucky enough to make incredible discoveries, but several of the sunken kingdoms in this article remain hidden they’re legendary lands wrapped in ancient myths. There is something about the underwater world that captures our imagination – perhaps it is the curiosity and intrigue about what may lie beneath the surface, or the idea that entire cities may be concealed on the ocean floor, out of sight and out of reach. Some of the most exciting archaeological discoveries and mysteries are the ones involving the ancient ruins of kingdoms lost beneath the waves.