Johann Hunt
For ages, this fabled city, believed to have vanished beneath the waves, has inspired everything from epic films to far-out conspiracy theories. But what if Atlantis wasn’t just a bedtime story? Enter Pavlopetri, an ancient submerged city off Greece’s coast that is making waves in the archaeological world. With striking parallels to the legendary Atlantis, Pavlopetri is now being hailed as the real deal—a true Atlantis brought to life.
Introduction to Pavlopetri
Just off the northeast coast of Elafonisos lies a small island frequently visited by seabirds known as Pavlopetri. This tiny islet, along with another smaller island and the Pounta coast, forms an isosceles triangle that preserves the remains of a dated sunken settlement. The settlement dates back nearly 5,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest submerged cities.
Historical Significance
Pavlopetri’s earliest roots stretch back to the Neolithic Period, around 4500-3200 BC. Over time, the place flourished through all phases of the Bronze Age, particularly during the Early Bronze Age (3300-2000 BC) and the Late Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC). Remarkably, it was continuously inhabited from 3000 to 1100 BC, making it a rare archaeological treasure.
Strategic Location
Some researchers suggest that Pavlopetri might have served as the capital of the Vatica Plain in past times due to its size and strategic location. Positioned at the crossroads of Elafonisos, Kythira, Antikythira, and Crete, it likely played a significant role in regional trade. The discovery of pithos fragments and loom weights indicates that Pavlopetri was possibly an early craft industry.
Archaeological Accessibility
One of the most fascinating aspects of Pavlopetri is its accessibility to visitors. The crystal-clear waters, with depths no greater than three meters, allow anyone with basic snorkeling gear to explore the ancient streets, foundations, and tombs. This unique opportunity to experience an underwater site first-hand is thrilling, but visitors are urged to treat the place with respect.
Onshore Attractions
Onshore, visitors can access several other points of interest related to Pavlopetri, including the cemetery at Pounta, the quarry, the canal, and Stroggyli Lake. Each of these locations offers additional context and depth to the understanding of the old hub. Walking through these sites provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine life in Pavlopetri thousands of years ago.
Early Observations
The first recorded observation of Pavlopetri was made by geologist Fokionas Negris in 1904. However, his discovery did not gain immediate recognition for its significance. It wasn’t until oceanographer Nicholas Flemming re-examined the site in 1967 that the importance of Pavlopetri was fully realized. Flemming’s work laid the foundation for subsequent explorations of the scene.
1968 Archaeological Survey
In 1968, the Cambridge University Underwater Exploration Group conducted a detailed survey of Pavlopetri. This team, which included Greek archaeologist Angelos Delivorias, mapped the visible remains with high accuracy. The survey did not involve excavation but focused on surface finds, leading to conclusions that Pavlopetri thrived particularly during the Early and Late Bronze Ages.
Population and Structures
Archaeologists divided the underwater remains into ten areas, identifying 15 houses, each containing about ten rooms. If each house accommodated around 20 people, Pavlopetri could have supported a population of approximately 600. The visible structures today are primarily stone foundations, as the upper portions, made of clay and straw bricks, have eroded over time.
Unique Building Technique
Among the structures, one building stands out for its unique construction technique, which may date back to an earlier period. The building features a distinct east side made of just ten stones, with apses at the north and south ends. The structure may have served a ritual purpose, although its exact function remains unclear. Further excavation is needed to determine its role in the ancient spot.
Streets and Layout
The streets of Pavlopetri are approximately five meters wide and aligned with the houses, a characteristic also seen in the modern construction of Elafonisos. The streets are filled with small stones and may have been paved, although this could also be the result of ruined walls. The layout of the streets provides insight into the region’s advanced planning and organization.
Cist-Graves
An integral feature of Pavlopetri is its roughly 40 cist graves, found between or within the buildings, under house floors, or even within walls. Such graves are constructed from four upright calcareous plaques that are rectangular and covered by a fifth plaque. The presence of these graves within the region reflects its inhabitants’ cultural and religious practices.
Pounta’s Shore Cemetery
The archaeological team also mapped an extensive cemetery on Pounta’s shore, which includes at least 60 tombs carved into the rock surface. Some tombs were partially or completely destroyed during the construction of a channel leading to the salt lake or by later quarrying activities. Several of these tombs are now submerged, adding another layer of intrigue to the site’s history.
Quarry, Channel, and Lake
Visible traces of shale quarrying on the shore likely date back to the Roman era. The quarry’s purpose was to channel water into the lagoon for salt collection after evaporation. A bridge built over the canal during this period was recorded by the British archaeological team in 1968 but has since been destroyed. These structures highlight the complex and multi-period nature of the locale.
2009 Research Program
In 2009, a five-year research program began, led by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and the British School at Athens. The project aimed to outline the history and evolution of Pavlopetri and determine how and when the city and the Elafonisos Strait became submerged. The research expanded the known area of the settlement from 30 to 50 acres.
New Discoveries and Future Research
Recent archaeological work using advanced technology revealed additional areas of the settlement and uncovered new ceramic evidence. This evidence suggests that the site was first occupied in the Final Neolithic period, pushing back its timeline. The ongoing research continues to uncover new aspects of Pavlopetri, shedding light on its significance and raising new questions about its history and role in the ancient world.