Scientists Have Just Found Thousands Of Untouched Island In The Middle Of The Amazon Jungle

Islands are often thought of as idyllic escapes from the pressures of the modern world, with sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes. However, some islands around the world have a darker, more mysterious side to them. Whether shrouded in legend, hidden from view, or steeped in strange and unexplained phenomena, these islands offer a glimpse into the unknown and the unexplained. From a new island born in the southern coast of Iceland from underwater volcanic eruptions to the last uncontacted places left on earth Today we take a look at 15 of the World's Mysterious Islands.

Lost World of the Maya

The Maya—their soaring pyramids, monumental cities, and mythical mastery of astronomy and mathematics—have captured our imaginations and spurred generations of explorers into the jungles of Central America on a quest to understand them. The Lost World of the Maya surveys their dramatic rise to prominence in the 'pre-classic era' of the Maya as well as new evidence of the collapse of their civilization in the 800-900s AD.

Dive into the "Lost World of the Maya," an enthralling exploration of a once-mighty civilization that ruled the heart of Central America. Journey with us through ancient city-states, vast pyramids, and intricate hieroglyphs to discover the mysteries behind the Maya's rise to power and their eventual decline. From advanced astronomy to intricate rituals, unravel the legacy and enigmas of a culture that still resonates today. Join us as we traverse the remnants of a world lost in time but never in significance.

The decline of the ancient Maya civilization has intrigued scholars, archaeologists, and history enthusiasts for many years. While there isn't a single definitive reason, a combination of factors likely contributed to the civilization's downfall. Here are some of the leading theories and contributing factors:

1. Environmental Factors:

Deforestation: The Maya heavily relied on slash-and-burn agriculture. Over time, widespread deforestation might have altered the local climate, reducing rainfall and leading to agricultural shortfalls.

Soil Degradation: Intensive farming could have led to soil exhaustion and reduced agricultural yields.

2. Climate Change:

Extended Droughts: Paleo-climatic records suggest the region experienced severe droughts during the time the Maya civilization started to decline. Without adequate water sources, both drinking water and agricultural output would have been seriously impacted.

3. Socio-Political Factors:

Inter-City Conflict: Many Maya city-states warred with each other. Constant warfare could have exhausted local resources, diminished populations, and disrupted trade routes.

Decentralization: Unlike other ancient empires with a singular capital, the Maya had various powerful city-states. This fragmentation might have made the civilization more susceptible to collapse.

4. Economic Factors:

Trade Disruption: Warring states might have disrupted key trade routes, affecting the economy of the region.

Overdependence on Certain Resources: The Maya heavily relied on certain trade goods like obsidian and jade. Changes in demand or access to these resources could have destabilized their economy.

5. Cultural and Religious Factors:

Resource Overexploitation for Religious Purposes: The construction of monumental architecture and religious ceremonies might have placed a heavy toll on resources.

Crisis of Faith: As conditions worsened and elites could not effectively address the issues, it's possible that the general populace lost faith in their leaders and the religious structures that upheld Maya society.

6. Outside Invasion:

While not a primary theory, it's conceivable that invasions or pressures from other Mesoamerican groups could have contributed to the Maya's decline.

7. Disease:

Epidemics could have reduced the population, impacting the workforce and social structures.

It's crucial to understand that the "collapse" of the Maya civilization refers primarily to the abandonment of the major cities in the Central Lowlands and the end of monumental architecture and written records in this region. Maya civilization, in terms of culture and population, persisted beyond this period, and descendants of the Maya continue to live in Mexico and Central America today.

Could the Sunken City of Cuba be Atlantis?

A team of explorers were conducting an exploration and survey mission little over ten years ago when their sonar equipment detected an intriguing group of stone constructions 650 meters below the surface. The constructions looked to reveal neatly ordered stones indicative of an urban development and appeared completely similar to the arid "desert" of the ocean below. Soon after, there was a media frenzy, with news websites running titles like "Atlantis Found in Cuba" and "Lost City of the Caribbean Found." The government, national museum, and national geography were all interested in the discovery as well, and they all pledged to look into the unusual sonar images. The tale has since been forgotten, more than ten years later. What ever happened to Cuba's submerged "ruins"? Were they ever thoroughly looked into? And why hasn't the news stopped talking about this peculiar discovery?

The initial discovery was made in 2001 while marine engineer Pauline Zalitzki and her husband Paul Weinzweig, who run the Canadian business Advanced Digital Communications (ADC), were collaborating with the Cuban government on a survey mission off the coast of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula in the Pinar del Ro Province of Cuba. ADC was one of four companies collaborating with the government of President Fidel Castro to explore the Cuban seas, which are thought to be home to thousands of treasure-laden ships from the Spanish colonial era. The crew discovered a collection of symmetrical and geometric stone structures that resembled an urban complex while utilizing cutting-edge sonar technology to investigate a 2-square-kilometer area of the sea floor.

When Zalitzki examined the sonar images, he noticed what seemed to be strange structures of crests, blocks, and geometric forms. Some of the blocks appeared to be constructed in pyramid shapes, while others were round.

In July 2001, they went back to the location with senior researcher and geologist Manuel Iturralde of the Natural History Museum of Cuba. This time, they used a remotely operated vehicle to look at and record the structures. Large, roughly 8-by-10-foot chunks of stone that resembled hewn granite were visible in the photographs. Some of the blocks appeared to be placed on top of one another on purpose, while others appeared to be left alone. Zalitzki stated that although it appeared that the photographs depicted the ruins of a sunken metropolis, he was hesitant to make any judgments in the absence of more information.

Iturralde, an expert in undersea formations, remarked of these "very unique structures" that they had "caught our imagination." But I would struggle to explain this in terms of geology.

According to an estimate, it would have taken 50,000 years for such structures to submerge to the depth where they were allegedly discovered. Iturralde continued, "With any of the cultures we are aware of 50,000 years ago, there was not the architectural capacity to build elaborate buildings." A Florida State University expert in underwater archaeology commented, "If they were correct, that would be cool, but it would be very advanced compared to what we would have seen in the New World at that time. The buildings are both out of place and out of time."

News outlets quickly drew comparisons between the discovery and the mythical lost city of Atlantis during the media frenzy that followed the announcement of its discovery. Zelitsky and Weinzweig, however, resisted drawing such analogies. Zelitsky claimed that the tale is a myth. What we discovered was most likely originally part of a local culture that existed along a 100-mile "land bridge" that connected Cuba and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Iturralde continued by mentioning local myths about the Maya and indigenous Yucatecos that describe an island home to their ancestors that disappeared beneath the waters. Iturralde does not rule out the possibility that the rock formations could simply be the consequence of Mother Nature's miracles, though. He claimed that nature was capable of producing some truly incredible structures.

Others are less inclined to embrace this viewpoint, despite the fact that hundreds of media outlets have covered submerged ruins, advanced civilizations, the lost city of Atlantis, and sunken cities. The depth of the purported ruins, according to Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews of the debunking website Bad Archaeology, is the largest issue for advocates of the sunken city theory. Sea levels decreased dramatically during the Pleistocene, which was marked by a series of ice ages with a maximum dip of about 100 meters.

It was never above sea level during the Ice Period unless the area on which they were standing had obviously sunk. Atlantis is said to have been destroyed "by terrible earthquakes and floods," according to Plato's version. It is doubtful that an entire city could have survived dropping more than 600 meters into an abyss, Fitzpatrick-Matthews says, assuming we take Plato at his word, which is what we must do if we think that Atlantis was a real location.

If we assume that he is correct and that these stone structures are simply the result of nature rather than representing an ancient submerged city, geologists and other scientists would undoubtedly be quick to seize upon the discovery and look into what freakish natural event produced such peculiar formations. Curiously, no recorded follow-up inquiries have been made, and media sources have completely stopped reporting on the situation. What happened to all the assurances that the government, National Geographic, the National Museum, and other scientists would conduct additional surveys?

Some have questioned whether there has been a concealment of information surrounding the results as a result of the fast dismissal of the story. Fitzpatrick-Matthews asserts that in the end, experts were not persuaded that Zelitsky had actually uncovered a buried metropolis and that the tale just went dead.

The Lost City in the Amazon

Redmond OHanlon, a world-renowned naturalist, explorer, and bestselling author, asked for my help on his quest to discover what happened to his hero, Col. Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in the Amazon jungle while looking for a lost city of immense wealth.

As part of his award-winning series “O’Hanlon’s Heroes,” we travel into the region where Fawcett disappeared and where I was kidnapped and held hostage by a tribe in 1996, while also searching for answers about Fawcett’s disappearance.

The term "Lost City in the Amazon" often alludes to a mythical ancient city located deep within the Amazon rainforest. Its idea has been a part of numerous tales and legends, fueling many exploratory expeditions. Here's a brief overview of the subject:

The Legend of El Dorado:

Origins: The most famous of all legends linked to lost cities in the Amazon is that of "El Dorado," which initially referred to a man (a king or chieftain) who covered himself in gold dust and then dove into a sacred lake. Over time, the legend evolved to represent a city of gold.

European Expeditions: In the 16th and 17th centuries, many European explorers journeyed into the heart of South America in search of this fabled city, driven by tales of vast wealth. These often perilous journeys rarely yielded the treasures they sought, but they did lead to the mapping and exploration of much of the continent.

Ancient Geoglyphs:

In recent years, with the use of satellite imagery and deforestation, hundreds of ancient geoglyphs have been discovered in the Brazilian Amazon. These earthworks, which date back around 2,000 years, suggest sophisticated pre-Columbian cultures that could sustain large populations, challenging previous notions that the Amazon was a "counterfeit paradise" with sparse, primitive inhabitants.

Kuhikugu:

Discovered near Brazil's Xingu River, the remains of this ancient city suggest that the region once supported a population of tens of thousands. This civilization, which existed between 1250 and 1500 AD, had complex infrastructure, including plazas, ceremonial centers, and even a network of ancient roads.

Challenges in the Search:

Dense Rainforest: The thick canopy and dense undergrowth of the Amazon rainforest make it extremely difficult to locate ancient ruins or artifacts.

Environmental Factors: The warm and wet conditions in the Amazon lead to rapid decomposition of materials. Thus, many artifacts or remains, if they existed, could have decayed over time.

Modern Threats: Deforestation, illegal mining, and agriculture are continually altering the Amazon's landscape, possibly destroying undiscovered archaeological evidence.

Modern Interpretation:

The fascination with the lost cities, while often romanticized, highlights the rich history and advanced pre-Columbian civilizations of South America. Today, researchers continue to find evidence that ancient societies thrived in the Amazon, developing complex societies long before European contact.

It's essential to approach legends like El Dorado with skepticism but also respect for the Indigenous cultures and histories from which these stories originate. The search for these lost cities has broadened our understanding of ancient civilizations in the Americas, even if the mythical city of gold remains elusive.

This Canadian Lake Is Filled by a Submerged Ghost Village

Lake Minnewanka in Alberta appears to be typical of other huge bodies of water in Canada from the outside. The 13-mile-long lake, which is surrounded by clumps of evergreen trees and located close to the eastern side of what is now known as Banff National Park, has long been a popular destination within the park, luring visitors to its brisk, clear waters on kayaks, hikes, and bicycles. But many people are unaware that the lake is a relatively recent addition to the surrounding terrain and that, prior to its flooding, the area was home to a thriving lakeside resort town that is now only accessible by scuba equipment.

The summer resort town of Minnewanka Landing, which is situated at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, has long been luring residents of adjacent Calgary. This is especially true since the Beach House, a log-built hotel, was finished in 1886. Over time, the town expanded to encompass three streets, four avenues, dozens of cottages, numerous hotels, and sailing companies that offered boat tours around the (much smaller) original lake.

The area's terrain wouldn't begin to change until 1912, when Minnewanka Landing was largely flooded as a result of the construction of a new dam as part of the establishment of a hydroelectric plant operation by Calgary Power Co. downriver. The town would eventually meet its end in 1941 with the construction of a new dam, which raised the reservoir's waters by 98 feet, swallowing everything in its wake. Nevertheless, the town continued to prosper over the following 20 years (42 lots were erected to provide room for additional cabin sites).

According to William Perry, an archeologist with Parks Canada, "it was during the Second World War, and everyone was hungry for power." At that time, Calgary and the surrounding area were rapidly expanding and needed more electricity; therefore, Lake Minnewanka was viewed as a simple solution.

Unless they are scuba divers, many people today will never have the opportunity to discover the secret that the reservoir contains. Several of the ancient resort town's buildings, including house and hotel foundations, wharves, an oven, a chimney, a cellar, bridge pilings, and walkways, are still standing today because of Lake Minnewanka's glacier-fed, ice-cold waters. (You may see a complete list of websites here.) Even the footings from the federal government's first dam in the town, constructed in 1895, and the footings from the dam completed in 1912 are still clearly visible.

An ancient native encampment in the area is another noteworthy location. Archaeologists have recently discovered spear points, arrowheads, atlatls, stone tools, and other artifacts used by the native cultures that originally inhabited the area.

“What is particularly interesting about that for me is looking at the whole area as a cultural landscape,” Perry says. “The area's 13,000 years of continuous use absolutely fascinates me.”

And Perry isn’t alone. He estimates that approximately 8,000 divers descend into the lake each year to explore its hidden past.

“Because of the cold, clear water, wood actually survives quite well down there,” he says. “That’s why it has become such a popular diving place for local scuba diving clubs. There's just so much left to see."

The Lost Civilization of Atlantis: Separating Fact from Fiction

The idea of the lost civilization of Atlantis has captured the imagination of people for centuries, but there is no concrete evidence to support its existence. The story of Atlantis was first described by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias," where he presented it as a powerful and advanced society that disappeared in a single day and night of catastrophic earthquakes and floods.

However, there is no archaeological or geological evidence that Atlantis ever existed, and scholars believe that Plato's story was likely a work of fiction or a moral allegory. Some theories propose that Atlantis was based on the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, which was destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami around 1600 BCE.

Despite the lack of evidence, the story of Atlantis continues to be a popular topic in popular culture and pseudoscientific theories. However, it is important to distinguish between fact and fiction and approach the story of Atlantis with a critical and evidence-based perspective.

Pavlopetri, Greece: This 5,000-Year-Old Town Discovered Underwater

Underwater discoveries, from sunken civilizations to the millions of shipwrecks still undiscovered on the seabed, capture the interest of history buffs like nothing else. With less than 1% of the ocean floor having been explored so far, the world's oceans and seas have been dubbed the largest museum in the world. Some contend that the Bronze Age port of Pavlopetri's ruins, which were only recently found, may have served as the inspiration for the mythical tale of Atlantis.

Finding of Pavlopetri: The World's Oldest Underwater Town

The remnants of a submerged settlement thought to have existed as long ago as 5,000 years ago were unearthed in the 1960s by Nic Flemming from the Institute of Oceanography at the University of Southampton. The archaeological site, which is 4 meters (13.12 feet) below and is situated close to the little village of Pavlopetri in the Peloponnesus region of southern Greece, is currently thought to be the oldest known planned underwater town in the entire world. Thus, it joined the company of other enigmatic underwater colonies, towns, and cities that have captivated the interest of history buffs, such as:

  • Shi Cheng, an ancient Chinese city, is immaculately preserved (the Lion City)

  • India's fabled sunken temples at Mahabalipuram

  • Heracleion, an ancient Egyptian city

  • Israel's Atlit Yam Neolithic site, which dates back 9,000 years

  • Jamaica's Port Royal, a city of pirates during the 17th century

The site was first recognized by geologist Folkion Negris in 1904, but after Flemming rediscovered it, a group of archaeologists from the University of Cambridge investigated it in 1968. The University of Nottingham then started a five-year project to research the town of Pavlopetri in 2009, overseen by John C. Henderson, in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

In order to examine the seabed and bring the historic town back to life before the fragile remnants are lost forever as a result of lack of protection, pollution, waves, currents, and tourists, the Pavlopetri Underwater Archaeological Project was created. Pavlopetri was the first underwater village to be digitally scanned in 3D using sonar mapping technology as a result of the project. They were able to create amazing photorealistic 3D digital reconstruction photos thanks to the confluence of cutting-edge marine science with movie industry computer graphics, which transformed underwater archaeology.

What did they discover at Pavlopetri?

The study project discovered thousands of items at the location that shed light on daily life at Pavlopetri between 3000 and 1100 BC, when it "sank," perhaps as a result of localized earthquakes, erosion, rising sea levels, or even a tsunami. The first evidence of a sunken metropolis in Greece that precedes Plato's account of Atlantis can be found there.

Pavlopetri, a representation of life 5,000 years ago, was exceptionally well planned, with streets, two-story homes with gardens, temples, cemeteries, and a sophisticated water management system with channels and water pipelines. The majority of the structures in the city's center had up to 12 rooms inside, and there was even a square or plaza that was roughly 40 by 20 meters (131 by 65 feet) in size. Its uniqueness was emphasized by Dr. Jon Henderson of the University of Nottingham team, who oversaw the Pavlopetri Underwater Archaeological Project. "There are older sunken sites around the globe, but none can be considered to be planned communities such as this," he said in The Guardian.

The renowned ancient Greek epic poem Iliad was set in a time when the city was so old that it had already existed at that time. According to research conducted in 2009, the site is around 9 acres (36,421 m2) in size, and there is evidence that it was occupied as early as 2800 BC. At least 15 buildings have been discovered, and the city's layout is still plainly discernible despite having sunk so long ago. The layout of the city is so obvious that the leader of the Nottingham archaeological team was able to construct what they consider to be an incredibly realistic 3D replica of the city.

According to historians, the ancient city served as a hub for trade between the Mycenaean and Minoan civilizations. Large clay storage containers, statues, common objects, and other relics can be found all around the site.

The city's original name, as well as its precise function in the ancient world, are unclear. According to Elias Spondylis of the Greek Ministry of Culture in the New Scientist, "It's a rare find, and it is significant because, being a submerged site, it was never reoccupied and hence symbolizes a frozen moment of the past."

Today’s condition of the site

The Pavlopetri site has focused its coverage of the world's most frequently explored seafloor on safeguarding the artifacts. The University of Nottingham team employed technology to construct a photorealistic representation of the seabed in a magnificent BBC program from 2011 titled Pavlopetri: The City Under the Waters. To support local conservation and protection efforts, including a Watch Day hosted by the Greek Chapter of ARCH International to raise awareness of the site, Pavlopetri was added to the World Monuments Watch in 2016 as a way to conserve heritage sites that are in danger.

Since then, the Watch Day has included the Pavlopetri Eco-Marine Film Festival, which presents motion pictures and documentaries about the marine environment and offers snorkeling trips beneath the surface of the old city. As a result of these activities, the region was buoyed in August 2016 to protect it from small vessels, and in 2018, it became the first location in Greek waters to be listed on marine charts that the Greek Navy's Hydrographic Department provides to mariners.

The Search for Atlantis: Separating Fact from Fiction

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP

The Lost City of Atlantis is a legendary island nation first mentioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias." According to Plato, Atlantis was a powerful and advanced civilization that existed around 9,000 years before his own time, or around 11,000 years ago. The city was said to be located beyond the "Pillars of Hercules," which is believed to be the Strait of Gibraltar, and was described as a utopia with advanced technology and a highly organised society.

Despite the fact that there is no concrete evidence to prove the existence of Atlantis, the story of the lost city has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. Many historians, archaeologists, and explorers have searched for the lost city, but to no avail. However, that has not stopped theories and speculations from arising about where the city could have been located and what caused its downfall.

One theory suggests that Atlantis was located in the Mediterranean, possibly on the island of Santorini in Greece. This theory is based on the fact that Santorini experienced a massive volcanic eruption around 1,600 BCE, which could have caused the destruction of any civilization on the island. Additionally, the island of Crete, which is located just south of Santorini, was home to the Minoan civilization, which was a highly advanced society that existed around the same time period as Plato's Atlantis.

Another theory suggests that Atlantis was located in the Atlantic Ocean, possibly on the island of Antillia, which is located off the coast of Portugal. This theory is based on the fact that the name "Atlantis" is derived from the Greek word "atlantis," which means "island of Atlas." Furthermore, the island of Antillia is said to have been sighted by ancient navigators, who referred to it as the "Island of Seven Cities."

Yet another theory suggests that Atlantis was located in the Americas, possibly in the region of South America or Mexico. This theory is based on the fact that ancient civilizations such as the Maya and the Inca developed advanced societies in these regions around the same time period as Plato's Atlantis. Furthermore, some ancient texts from these civilizations make reference to a great flood, which could have been the cause of the destruction of Atlantis.

Despite the different theories and speculations, there is no concrete evidence to prove the existence of Atlantis or to determine its exact location. Nevertheless, the story of the lost city continues to fascinate people and inspire new theories and speculations.

In conclusion, the lost city of Atlantis is a mystery that has captivated people for centuries. The story of a powerful and advanced civilization that existed thousands of years ago, and then vanished without a trace, is intriguing and leaves a lot of room for speculation. While there is no concrete evidence to prove the existence of Atlantis, the various theories and speculations about its location and downfall make for an interesting and ongoing debate. Whether or not Atlantis truly existed, the story of this lost city will continue to inspire people to seek the truth and explore the mysteries of the past.

The Mystery Of The Lost Golden City Of Egypt

A quarrelsome ancient Egyptian monarch left Thebes, his name, his religion, and his throne three thousand four hundred years ago. What followed is known to archaeologists: The short-lived city of Akhenaten was founded by the pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled alongside his wife Nefertiti and practiced sun worship there. After his passing, his young son, Tutankhamun, ascended to the throne of Egypt and rejected his contentious father's legacy.

Nestled within the sands of ancient Egypt lies an enigma that has confounded historians and archaeologists for centuries: the lost Golden City of Akhenaten. As the heretical pharaoh who upended Egypt's traditional religious order, Akhenaten's reign was as controversial as it was transformative. But beyond his religious revolution, there whispers a tale of a majestic city, splendid in its architecture and grandeur, glittering with gold—Akhetaten, the Horizon of the Aten. This fabled city, dedicated to the sun god Aten, became the epicenter of Akhenaten's new monotheistic religion. Yet, as swiftly as it rose to prominence, it vanished, leaving behind only fragments of its former glory. Journey with us as we venture back in time, sifting through myths, hieroglyphs, and the sands of time to unravel the mystery of the lost Golden City of Akhenaten.

Akhenaten, originally named Amenhotep IV, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who reigned during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period, approximately around 1353–1336 BCE. His reign is one of the most debated and analyzed in Egyptian history, primarily because of the radical religious transformation he instigated. Here are some key aspects of his reign:

1. Religious Revolution:

- Akhenaten is best known for introducing a form of monotheism to ancient Egypt. While the Egyptian pantheon consisted of numerous gods and goddesses, Akhenaten elevated the worship of the sun disk, Aten, above all others. This worship eventually evolved to a point where only Aten was recognized as the supreme deity.

- This shift led to Akhenaten's infamous decision to suppress the traditional cult of Amun and other gods. The temples of these gods were closed, and their clergy lost their influence.

2. Akhetaten (Modern-day Amarna):

- Akhenaten founded a new city called Akhetaten, which means "Horizon of the Aten," situated midway between Memphis and Thebes. Today, it's known as Amarna.

- This city became the new religious and political capital during his reign, moving away from the traditional power centers, especially Thebes.

3. Artistic Innovations:

- The Amarna period, named after the city, is renowned for its distinctive art style. This style was more realistic and relaxed than the formal, traditional Egyptian art. It often depicted the royal family with elongated skulls, slanted eyes, and protruding bellies.

- This unique portrayal has led to numerous speculations, ranging from stylistic choices to potential medical conditions.

4. Family:

- Akhenaten was married to Nefertiti, one of the most famous queens of Egypt. Together, they had several daughters.

- Some scholars believe that Akhenaten might also have been the father of Tutankhamun, the boy-king, though this relationship is debated.

5. End of His Reign and Legacy:

- Akhenaten's reign lasted around 17 years. After his death, there was a concerted effort to restore the traditional polytheistic religion. This move was led by his successors, notably King Tutankhamun.

- Many of Akhenaten's reforms were reversed posthumously. His city, Akhetaten, was abandoned, and many of its monuments were dismantled. The traditional religious order was restored, and the cult of Amun regained its preeminent status.

- Akhenaten became somewhat of a 'heretical' figure in later Egyptian history, with many records of him and his immediate successors (except Tutankhamun) being omitted or defaced.

Akhenaten's reign stands out as a profound period of change in ancient Egypt's long history. While his monotheistic revolution was short-lived, it provided a tantalizing glimpse into the complexities of ancient Egyptian society, religion, and politics.

Is There A Mysterious Underwater City Beneath The Black Sea?

The documentary Dark Secrets of the Black Sea journeys to the said region and explores recently-unearthed archaeological evidence of a technologically advanced civilization that once lay there, now submerged beneath the Black Sea. The Black Sea has been the focus of many archaeological and underwater expeditions due to its unique properties and history.

The Black Sea experienced significant changes in water levels, especially around the end of the last ice age. Ancient coastlines, now submerged, could contain settlements or remnants of human habitation. This offers a fascinating avenue for underwater archaeology.

One of the unique features of the Black Sea is its anoxic (oxygen-free) deep layer. Organic materials, like wood, can be preserved in this environment for millennia. This property provides an opportunity for remarkably well-preserved ancient shipwrecks and other artifacts to be found in the deeper parts of the sea.

Some researchers have postulated that changes in the Black Sea's water levels might have been the basis for various flood myths, including the biblical Noah's Flood. A significant and rapid influx of water from the Mediterranean, potentially flooding previously inhabited areas, could have been remembered and passed down in oral traditions.

While there have been numerous shipwrecks and artifacts discovered in the Black Sea, there hasn't been a discovery of a large, mysterious underwater city. Nonetheless, the history of human habitation around the sea is vast, and there are likely many submerged sites awaiting discovery.

It's crucial to differentiate between speculative theories and verified archaeological findings. While the Black Sea is full of potential, claims of vast underwater cities or connections to legendary places like Atlantis are, as of now, in the realm of myth and speculation.