Explore ATLANTIS in real life as stunning diver photos from the lost city of Baia reveal ancient mosaics and moss-covered statues

STUNNING underwater photos appear to reveal the real Atlantis – with eerie ancient mosaics and moss-covered statues littering the seabed.

Submerged in the sea due to Earth's volcanic activity, the lost city of Baia is a unique underwater archaeological wonder near Naples, Italy.

6

6

6

Stunning photos clicked by photographer Franco Banfi during his dive reveal the secrets of the sunken Roman city that lay underwater for hundreds of years.

Several statues can be seen – probably of some large Roman men – with moss covering their entire bodies.

Other photos reveal the ancient mosaics visible on the seabed.

The floors contain beautiful images of figures such as fish and Roman warriors.

But now, crumbling structures and broken walls paint Baia's underwater scene, once a hotspot for visitors from the Kingdom of Rome.

Historians suggest that Baia served as a recreational spot for the rich and powerful among the Roman elite.

It was known that some of the most powerful people of the Roman Empire, such as Nero, Cicero and Caesar, had visited the city several times – and some of them built their villas.

According to legends, the city – which once sat above natural volcanic springs – was famous for its healing medicinal hot springs that were common throughout the city and on which spas could be built quite easily.

“Baia was built between 100 BC and 500 AD over natural volcanic springs and was known for its healing hot springs and spas.

“Some of the most powerful figures in history, such as Emperors Nero, Cicero and Caesar, were known to visit the city and some of them even built permanent holiday villas there,” Franco said.

What is the Lost City of Atlantis?

THE legend of Atlantis is a story about a utopian civilization that existed thousands of years ago.

The story, told by philosopher Plato, describes a city made up of islands connected by water and awash with gold, silver and exotic animals.

The people who lived there became greedy and immoral, and the gods punished them by sending fire and earthquakes, causing Atlantis to sink into the sea.

It has been there ever since, some parts preserved on the seabed and lost forever.

Some have suggested that Atlantis existed in the Mediterranean Sea, off the Spanish coast or even in Antarctica.

But most people don't believe that Atlantis – which apparently existed 9,000 years before Plato himself – actually existed.

Although volcanic eruptions and massive floods have occurred throughout history, most scientists do not think that a mythical city of immoral ancient people fell prey to one and sank to the bottom of the sea.

However, in the eighth century, the once Roman city was brutally plundered by Muslim invaders and destroyed to its core.

Eventually, the remains of the formerly luxurious city were abandoned and the entire place was left to rot.

And the legendary city of Baia suffered an ironic and brutal fate.

After the remains of the city were emptied, the water level slowly began to rise due to the same volcanic springs that once attracted great Roman men to the beautiful city and eventually swallowed the entire place.

Although the town is no longer a holiday resort, it is still a fascinating piece of Roman history – and ancient remains of Baia can be visited by tourists.

And the crumbled structures and astonishingly well-preserved sculptures of the abundant ruins can be viewed by glass boat or while diving.

6

6

6