Inside the ‘sin city’ that sank deep under the sea 2,000 years ago

Stunning underwater photos reveal the abandoned ruins of a once thriving city.

Hidden deep beneath Italy lies the ancient sunken city of Baia in the Bay of Naples, once beloved by the rich and powerful and dubbed the “Las Vegas of Rome”.

Covering an area of ​​up to 177 hectares, many areas of the city remain in relatively good condition with artifacts and a large number of statues still lying on the seabed.

Archaeologists and divers have discovered the ancient Roman city after finding stunning marble floors at a depth of about 6m.

The photos show a mosaic foundation of colourful marble slabs expertly arranged to form what researchers believe could have been the villa’s reception desk.

The materials and patterns used suggest the city dates back to at least the third century, according to a representative of the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park.

The details of the floor text still retain their beauty after being submerged in the sea.

Alamy

Some 2,000 years ago, Baia was a resort for thousands of wealthy tourists looking for a remote and private getaway.

Considered a wealthy and fashionable seaside resort, the area was visited by some of Rome’s most elite. Julius Caesar, Cicero, Hadrian… all roamed the ancient city in their time.

John Smout, who collaborated with local archaeologists to study the site, even claimed that Cleopatra had visited the city.

Statue of Dionysus with ivy crown, god of enchantment and happiness

AFP

“There are many stories associated with Baia,” he said. “It is rumored that Cleopatra escaped on her boat from Baia after Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 BC, while Julia Agrippina plotted to kill her husband Claudius at Baia so that her son Nero could become Roman emperor.”

The streets are lined with luxury villas built by millionaires and celebrities to enjoy the hot springs formed by the nearby volcano.

Many artifacts and works of art are still visible.

Alamy

Dubbed the “Las Vegas of Rome”, the city quickly gained a reputation as a place where the wildest dreams of the richest gamblers were fulfilled.

Nude male statues can still be seen underwater to this day, signifying the boldness of the city’s residents.

Rome’s famous Stoic philosopher, Seneca, was adamant that the “sinful city” should be avoided at all costs. This was partly due to the daily nudity in the city by drunkards…

The fall of Baia began with the fall of the Roman Empire, which saw the city attacked by the Crusaders and several other armies. However, Baia’s ultimate downfall was due to its location in an area of ​​volcanic activity.

Many sitting statues still exist in the ancient city.

AFP

Over the course of several centuries, the city was constantly shaken by hydrothermal and seismic activity, causing it to sink into the water it is today.

In 2002, the site was declared a Marine Protected Area, and licensed divers can explore the “2,000-year-old cemetery”.