Baiae, Italy

The Italian city of Baiae has very unusual fate. Once it has occupied the picturesque coastal territory of the Bay of Naples. It has gone under water as a result of volcanic activity centuries ago. Even today Baiae is synonymous with corruption and indolence, as incredibly rich people unfamiliar with honesty have lived there. According to one version, even in the prehistoric era there have been hundreds of workshops, which have been producing copies of priceless statues and other historical relics.

Trade of fake artifacts went on an incredible scale, the bulk of them was supplied to the markets of Rome, which caused prosperity of Baiae. The ancient city has been living in a constant atmosphere of idleness and pleasure. Incredibly beautiful mansions have been erected there, and their luxurious finish would be more impressive than in many royal palaces. At the decline of the Roman Empire the town was destroyed and eventually fell into neglect.

The heart of the old city is the Bay of Pozzuoli, which is incredibly popular among divers. It’s located just a hundred meters from the shore. While diving, you can see the ruins of old buildings decorated with artful mosaics, as well as remaining pieces of luxury villas that are now home to exotic marine life. Several fine antique statues have survived in the flooded city; they have being standing proudly on unbroken stone pedestals for over a thousand years. The seaside town of Baiae is a popular resort, despite the fact that some of its priceless historical artifacts are hidden beneath the water. Next - Port Royal