Detecting an underwater ghost city, in the middle of an 84,000-year-old crater

Lake Atitlán is an ancient crater, formed after a catastrophic eruption 84,000 years ago. At the time of 2,400 years ago, this area was not flooded as deeply as it is now and was chosen by the Maya to build the city of Samabaj.

The ghost city at the bottom of the volcanic lake Atitlán has been identified as the Mayan Samabaj – Photo: INAH

According to a team from Mexico, Guatemala, Belgium, Spain, France and Argentina, led by the National Museum of History and Anthropology of Mexico (INAH), they discovered and mapped the ancient Maya city. This era thanks to many dives from 2017 to present.

In addition, they also use remote sensing technology to accurately measure the city.

The city of Samabaj, built in 400 BC and lasting until 250 AD, was a prosperous settlement, containing all the structures that characterize the distinctive spiritual culture of the Mayans. .

The research team prepares for an expedition diving trip – Photo: INAH

The remaining ruins of the ghost city include temples, squares, steles, monuments and many houses.

Samabaj is not located along the lakeshore on a small island nestled in the middle of ancient Atitlán. Unfortunately for the city, an underwater volcanic event, which began about 2,000 years ago and smoldered for several centuries, caused disturbances in the lake bottom.

As a result, one day, the water level suddenly rose, causing thousands of people to evacuate quickly.

Currently Lake Atitlán has a surface area of ​​130 square kilometers and a depth of 340 meters.