Pavlopetri, an ancient submerged city off Greece’s southern coast, is over 5,000 years old, predating the myth of Atlantis.

Discovered in 1904 by geologist Folkion Negris and later explored in 1967 by Nicholas Flemming, Pavlopetri features streets, courtyards, and buildings from the Bronze Age, with artifacts dating between 2800 and 1180 BC.

A 2009 excavation uncovered additional structures and confirmed the city’s occupation from around 3000 to 1100 BC.

The cause of its submersion remains unclear, but some suggest an earthquake may have been responsible, Indy 100 has reported.

The city, older than Atlantis, has fueled speculation that it could be the real-life inspiration for the legendary lost continent.

Written by B.C. Begley