Inside the ancient sunken city nicknamed ‘Rome’s Las Vegas’, now submerged after becoming a holiday resort for the rich and powerful

HIDDEN deep in Italy lies an ancient sunken city once loved by the rich and powerful and nicknamed the Las Vegas of Rome.

Incredible underwater footage shows the abandoned ruins of the once-thriving holiday spot of Baia in the Gulf of Naples, with fish now roaming the rich grounds.

8

8

8

Comprised of an impressive 177 hectares, parts of the city have remained in relatively good condition with artefacts and a large number of statues still lying at the bottom of the sea.

Archaeologists and divers discovered the ancient Roman city after finding a stunning marble floor some 20 feet below the surface.

Incredible images show the base of the mosaic with thousands of colorful marble slabs expertly selected and fitted together to form what researchers believe would have been a villa reception.

The material and patterns used point to the city dating back to at least the 3rd century, says the Archaeological Park of Campos Flégreos.

More than 2,000 years ago, Baia was the resort getaway for thousands of wealthy tourists looking for a secluded, private getaway.

Widely considered a wealthy and elegant seaside resort, the area was visited by some of Rome’s elites.

Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Cicero and Hadrian roamed the ancient city in their time.

John Smout, a researcher who partnered with local archaeologists to study the site, claims that Cleopatra once visited the city.

He said: “There are many stories of intrigue associated with Baia.

“Rumor has it that Cleopatra escaped from Baia in her boat after Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, while Julia Agrippina planned the death of her husband Claudius in Baia so that her son Nero could become emperor of Rome.”

The streets were lined with luxurious villas built by millionaires and celebrities who supposedly enjoyed the cities’ rejuvenating volcanic hot springs.

Nicknamed “The Las Vegas of Rome”, the city quickly gained a reputation for making the richest gamblers’ wildest dreams come true.

Statues of naked men can still be seen underwater to this day, signifying the city’s lust and raunchy side.

Rome’s famous Stoic philosopher Seneca was adamant that the “city full of sin” should have been avoided at all costs.

This was partly due to the daily naked frolicking and drunken walks that would have been common in Baia.

Its disappearance began with the fall of the Roman Empire, which saw the city attacked by crusaders and various feared armies.

But Baia’s ultimate downfall was due to its location just 30 km from Naples, as it is in an area with high volcanic activity.

Within a few centuries, the city was constantly shaken by hydrothermal and seismic activities that caused it to sink into the watery grave where it lies today.

In 2002, the site was turned into a Marine Protected Area, meaning licensed divers can explore the underwater cemetery.

8

8

8

8