Neapolis: Secrets of the Lost City of the Romans

[Peter1469]

This city was a center of trade for Rome. Located north of Tunisia, the city was destroyed and sunk by an earthquake and tsunami in 365AD.

Neapolis: Secrets of the Lost City of the Romans - Historic Mysteries

Neapolis: great city of the Romans, is a minefield of contradictions. Relatively poorly attested from ancient sources, those that did write of the city talked of a great population center and trade hub: hardly the sort of place to be forgotten.


Absent any detailed information, this lost city was shrouded in mystery until its recent discovery in 2017. How did we manage to miss such an important civic center?


Well, for one the city was submerged, today lying underwater off the northeastern coast of Tunisia. Sunken by a catastrophic earthquake that reshaped the Mediterranean in 365 AD, the comparisons to the Greek myth of Atlantis are inevitable.


The discovery of the ruins off the coast of Tunisia has given an opportunity to researchers to explore the rich history of the underground city. The evidence that has already been collected has shed light on the economy and society of Neapolis.





The major Roman city was considered to be a major hub. However, it met its tragic end due to a tsunami that destroyed it along with numerous other cities.


But this is perhaps not the real enigma. We know why the city was lost. But why was it almost entirely forgotten?


A Glimpse into Neapolis

The city of Neapolis was originally founded during the fifth century BC. While it was a major Roman city along the coast of Tunisia, it was not founded by the Romans but the Greeks of Cyrene: literally their “new city” as it translates from the Greek.


The Greeks may had founded the city as a trade port of Cyrene. However, it later became a Roman port when North Africa was conquered by the Romans. The Roman city had changed hands of varying warring factors numerous times.


Due to the changing fortunes of North Africa during this time, primarily due to the Punic Wars between Rome and her African rival Carthage, Neapolis was at the center of the action. During the Third Punic War that took place between 149 and 146 BC, the residents of Neapolis supported Carthaginians. As the Romans emerged victorious, they were able to take over the city.



Since 2010, several expeditions were mounted to rediscover the submerged city, which was once filled with the hustle and bustle. However, the major discovery was possible only recently due to favorable weather conditions.


Roman literature does not contain many written records about the city. This is probably because it was being punished due to its lack of loyalty toward Romans. However, with the rediscovery of the ruins archaeology can fill in the gaps.


But first for what we do know. The city of Neapolis was of high significance in the ancient Roman world. The city prospered in the olden days as it was the chief hub where salt fish and garum were manufactured.