3,000-Year-Old Underwater Castle Discovered in Turkey’s Largest Lake

By  Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

A recent discovery was made in Lake Van, located in Turkey. There, scientists believe they have found a 3,000-year-old castle — referred to as the “lost kingdom”. Surprisingly, it appears to be in “amazing” condition. Archaeologists from the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University are now working with divers to explore the ruins further.

Science Alert reports that Tahsin Ceyland is the head of the diving team project. Reportedly, he first traveled to Turkey in search of the  Lake Van Monster. Instead, he found a well-preserved lost city. “There was a rumour that there might be something under the water but most archaeologists and museum officials told us that we won’t find anything,” he told Daily Sabah.

All in all, the castle spans about one kilometer and has walls as high as 10 to 13 feet. The alkaline waters in the lake reduced the rate of decomposition. Researchers believe the 3,000-year-old castle is an Iron Age relic of the lost Urartu civilisation, also called the Kingdom of Van. It is said to have thrived in the region between the 9th and the 6th centuries BCE.

How did the castle get underwater? When it was constructed, water levels of the lake were far lower than they are today. As a result, it was swallowed and forgotten about for hundreds of years. Other parts of the settlement are actually above shoreline, allowing archeologists to study parts of the forgotten city.

“Many civilisations and people had settled around Lake Van,” Ceylan said. “They named the lake the ‘upper sea’ and believed it had many mysterious things. With this belief in mind, we are working to reveal the lake’s ‘secrets’.” Earlier this year, the team discovered a Russian ship believed to have sunk in 1948.

Because the discovery is new, researchers do not yet know how deeply the walls are buried under the sediment of the ocean floor. Additional fieldwork will reveal more answers. The researchers hope to learn more not only about the structure, but the people who lived in it when it was above water.

Ceylan said, “It is a miracle to find this castle underwater. Archaeologists will come here to examine the castle’s history and provide information on it. We have detected the castle’s exact location and photographed it and have made progress in our research. We now believe we have discovered a new area for archaeologists and historians to study.”

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Source: Science Alert, National Geographic

Image Credit: National Geographic

Read more: Underground Ancient City Discovered In Greece

I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here