Guatemala’s Atlantis: Legendary Mayan City Discovered in Volcano Crater Lake

Archaeologists have managed to research the ancient Mayan city, which sank during a natural disaster. Such an expedition has now been organized, although the intentions were years ago.

The fact is that the locals (and the city was located on the territory of modern Guatemala) consider this place sacred and for a long time they opposed scientists to carry out their research.

At the top of the volcano is a huge lake Atitlan. During the height of the Mayan civilization, a large city was founded on the islands of this lake, with many residential buildings, temples and plazas.

But, presumably, the volcano woke up, because of its activity, the city was partially destroyed and the remains of buildings were submerged in water, to a depth of 20 meters.

It happened over 2000 years ago, and since then there are only legends telling about the local “Atlantis”. A few years ago, local fishermen discovered what they thought was a “sunken city”, after which the authorities nevertheless decided on a full-fledged expedition.

Since its inception, on March 14, the expedition has carried out diving tasks to georeference the site, thus obtaining data to create models in photogrammetry and virtual walks.

“The mission made it possible to lay the foundations for recommending the creation of a cultural center where people get to know and walk around the site through digital reconstructions,” explained Helena Barba Meinecke, head of the Office of the Yucatan Peninsula of the Sub-directory of Underwater Archeology at INAH.

Scientists have found remains of buildings and pottery fragments. This will allow experts to sketch a rough plan of the city and conduct more detailed searches for artifacts and signs that will allow them to understand exactly what disaster destroyed the thriving city.