The sunken city of Caesars, lost for more than 17 centuries under the clear blue waters of Italy’s west coast, has been discovered in dramatic new photos taken by divers allowed to explore the area .
Ancient Roman version of Las Vegas rediscovered in Naples
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the city of Baiae was the ancient version of Las Vegas in first century Rome, when the city was synonymous with luxurious and wild parties that included lots of wine and socialism. highest pleasure. possible order, as many historians from that time have reported. In its heyday, Baiae was regularly visited by famous Roman Caesars including Julius Caesar, Nero and Hadrian, who died there. This may explain why Baiae is called “The Sunken City of Caesars”.
Baia is a resort for the rich that sank into the water 1700 years ago. (Photo: Source: Pen News/ Antonio Busiello)
Although a fashionable resort during many ancient centuries, especially during the late Roman Republican period – when it was considered superior to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri – Baiae would eventually be abandoned . Inevitably, much of the city sank into the sea, as volcanic activity caused the coastline to retreat 400 meters inland, forcing it into what is now the Bay of Naples. However, the Daily Mail reports that the city has been rediscovered and opened to divers who have found many precious treasures still intact there over the past few years.
Impressive statues represent the elegance of the city of Baiae. (Photo: Photo credit: Pen News/ Antonio Busiello )
Photographer Antonio Busiello, a native of Naples, photographed the site and noticed the paths, walls, mosaics and even statues that had survived the ravages of time. “Beautiful mosaics, villas and temples that have reappeared or are still submerged under water show the luxury and wealth of this area,” he told the Daily Mail. And added, “It was considered one of the most important Roman cities for many centuries. Pliny the Younger once lived here and from here, across the bay, he witnessed and described the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum.”
Incredible ruins are sometimes found just a few meters below the surface. (Photo: Photo credit: Pen News/ Antonio Busiello )
Delve into history
Daily Mail reports that this is not the first time divers have explored the site in search of ruins of the once glorious city. For that matter, the sunken wonder was first discovered in 1940 in an aerial photograph and in the years that followed, many artifacts were discovered at the dive site. A documentary previously released in 2017, titled Sunken Secrets of Rome, follows a series of dives led by underwater archaeologist Dr. Barbara Davidde, including the Historians and scientists from around the world. Diving explorers have discovered giant mansions, astonishing statues and stunning mosaics, as well as thermal spas, cobbled streets and even a goddess – a pleasure cave – in a city located 150 miles south of Rome and 50 miles north of Pompeii.
Busiello said diving at the site was a ‘truly unique experience’ (Photo: Credit: Pen News/Antonio Busiello)
Busiello describes his diving experience there as a truly unique experience, “Diving here is like diving into history, seeing ancient Roman ruins underwater is something indescribable, truly a beautiful experience,” he said as reported by Daily Mail.
The inscription “L Pisonis”
One important find included a piece of lead water pipe just a few inches in diameter bearing the inscription “L Pisonis.” According to experts, this shows us the specific location where one of the most notorious scandals in Roman history occurred. Classics professor Kevin Dicus explains, “L Pisonis is the hallmark of the Piso family,” the Daily Mail reported. Dr. Dicus adds, “The villa attached to it was almost certainly the property of Gaius Calpurnius Piso, a close friend of Emperor Nero. Ancient texts tell us that Piso plotted to murder the emperor at his holiday villa in Baiae to replace him as emperor, but he had a change of heart at the last minute. When Nero learned of this plan, he ordered Piso to commit suicide. So now we know where the assassination will take place. For archaeologists, it was like finding the Holy Grail.”
(Photo: Photo credit: Pen News/ Antonio Busiello )
Finally, the divers added that although the Piso family’s impressive villa had its own jetty and two vast bathhouse complexes, they found other properties in the city that were even more submerged. even more luxurious, and one of them may have belonged to Emperor Claudius.
