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Man standing in underground city of Derinkuyu, Turkey. Source: Parilov / Adobe Stock.

Discoveries of Ancient Underground Cities Around the World

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Beneath the surface of our world, hidden under layers of soil, stone, and history, lie remnants of ancient civilizations - vast networks of tunnels, expansive underground cities, and complex subterranean structures. Our ancestors demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, carving out these intricate labyrinths for reasons as diverse as their cultures. Whether born out of necessity, spirituality, or security, these underground marvels have been preserved, waiting to share the untold stories of our human past.

South and Central America

In the heart of Mexico, the ancient city of Teotihuacan houses an extensive labyrinth of tunnels beneath the Pyramid of the Sun. Discovered only in the 1970s, this intricate network of tunnels extends to over 5 kilometers, with rooms branching off in various directions. These chambers are believed to have been used for rituals and ceremonies, with artifacts such as sculptures, pottery, and even human remains unearthed during excavations. The tunnels of Teotihuacan offer a unique insight into the spiritual and cultural life of this ancient civilization.

In 2008, another remarkable discovery was made in Mexico that further underscored the importance of the underground in Mesoamerican cosmology and architecture. Archaeologists uncovered eleven stone temples inside an underground cave system beneath the Yucatan Peninsula, complete with an underground road which the Mayans believed led to the mythical underworld city known as Xibalba. The underworld was a crucial part of the Mayan spiritual belief system, with Xibalba often depicted as a dangerous place filled with deadly trials for deceased souls.

In Peru, the Qenqo Chico tunnel network is an impressive example of Incan engineering. These tunnels, part of the larger Qenqo archaeological complex near Cusco, were carved directly into the rock and are thought to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes. Qenqo Chico and its subterranean passages continue to fascinate archaeologists and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Inca civilization.

The sprawling Mayan pyramid complex at Tikal, located in present-day Guatemala, has also revealed an intricate system of underground tunnels. These tunnels, rediscovered in the late 20th century, appear to connect various parts of the vast city-state, suggesting an efficient transportation or communication system. However, their exact function remains the subject of ongoing study. What is clear, however, is that these subterranean structures provide significant insights into the city planning and architectural capabilities of the ancient Mayan civilization, which flourished at Tikal from around 200 to 900 AD.

Underground shrine at Qenqo Chico, Peru. Source: Leon petrosyan / CC by SA 3.0

Underground shrine at Qenqo Chico, Peru. Source: Leon petrosyan / CC by SA 3.0

Africa

In Ethiopia, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela represent an impressive feat of subterranean architecture. Carved directly into solid rock in the 12th century, these 11 monolithic churches were reportedly created to represent a symbolic representation of Jerusalem. Each church was chiseled out of the ground, then further shaped into doors, windows, columns, and decorated with carvings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient African architects, and the underground network connecting the churches adds to the mystical aura of Lalibela.

In Egypt, the Giza Plateau has an enormous underground system that is a combination of manmade caverns and tunnels as well as subterranean rivers and passages. Since 1978 the caverns have been mapped using ground penetrating radar with explorations led by Dr Jim Hurtak who has allegedly entered massive chambers larger than our largest cathedrals. A few historians believe that the underground cave system in Giza, is the legendary ‘City of the Gods’, a massive underground city described by ancient writers Herodotus (5 th century BC) and Strabo (1 st Century AD). Herodotus wrote:

“There I saw twelve palaces regularly disposed, which had communication with each other, interspersed with terraces and arranged around twelve halls. It is hard to believe they are the work of man. The walls are covered with carved figures, and each court is exquisitely built of white marble and surrounded by a colonnade. Near the corner where the labyrinth ends, there is a pyramid, two hundred and forty feet in height, with great carved figures of animals on it and an underground passage by which it can be entered. I was told very credibly that underground chambers and passages connected this pyramid with the pyramids at Memphis.”

Furthermore, Herodotus spoke of the discovery of a multi-level megalithic metropolis under Giza that was 15,000 years old.

Many ancient writers supported Herodotus' record of underground passages connecting major pyramids. Lamblichus, a 4 th century AD Syrian representative of the Alexandrian School of mystical and philosophical studies, recorded information about an entranceway through the body of the Sphinx into the Great Pyramid:

“This entrance, obstructed in our day by sands and rubbish, may still be traced between the forelegs of the crouched colossus. It was formerly closed by a bronze gate whose secret spring could be operated only by the Magi. It was guarded by public respect, and a sort of religious fear maintained its inviolability better than armed protection would have done. In the belly of the Sphinx were cut out galleries leading to the subterranean part of the Great Pyramid.  These galleries were so art-fully crisscrossed along their course to the Pyramid that, in setting forth into the passage without a guide throughout this network, one ceasingly and inevitably returned to the starting point.”

One of the most impressive underground constructions in Egypt is the Serapeum of Saqqara, a vast subterranean complex that housed the Apis bulls, considered incarnations of the god Ptah. Housing massive granite sarcophagi in crypt-like galleries, this labyrinthine network showcases the Egyptians' advanced engineering skills.

Asia

The discovery in 1992 of 24 man-made caves in China, known as the Longyou Caves, revealed an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering and craftsmanship. The caves, carved into solid siltstone, represent a massive undertaking that required the removal of an estimated 36,000 cubic meters of stone. The floor area of each grotto extends over two thousand square meters, with the highest point in the caves reaching over 30 meters. Interestingly, there are no historical records or legends pertaining to the caves, rendering their origin and purpose a mystery. The precision and symmetry of the carving, along with the sheer volume of excavated material, imply a level of planning and organization that challenge our understanding of ancient Chinese society and its capabilities. The absence of tool marks or signs of work, coupled with the scale and complexity of the caves, continue to perplex researchers and historians, making the Longyou Caves one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in the world.

One of the Longyou caves. Source: Zhangzhugang  / CC by SA 4.0.

One of the Longyou caves. Source: Zhangzhugang  / CC by SA 4.0.

India, with its rich and ancient history, is also home to a number of fascinating underground structures. The city of Varanasi, believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has an extensive network of underground passages and rooms that date back several centuries. These passages were used by the residents for various purposes including travel, trade, and religious ceremonies. Furthermore, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora in Maharashtra, famous for its rock-cut temples, includes an intricate network of tunnels and chambers beneath the surface. One of the most astonishing of these underground marvels is the Kailasa Temple, which was carved from a single rock and extends into the earth, showcasing the advanced architectural and engineering skills of ancient Indian civilization. The purpose and full extent of these subterranean networks in India remain subjects of ongoing archaeological exploration and research.

Turkey, particularly the region of Cappadocia, is world-renowned for its ancient underground cities. These cities were primarily used as hideouts by early Christians to escape persecution. Derinkuyu, one of the most well-known of these underground cities, is an expansive network that extends approximately 60 meters deep and could accommodate an astonishing 20,000 people along with their livestock and food stores. It had more than 600 entrances to the surface. Another famous subterranean city is Kaymakli, which was believed to have been used as a large agricultural depot and trading hub. The cities contain numerous features such as ventilation shafts, wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, and chapels, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of underground construction. Turkey may have the greatest number of underground cities and networks in the work and more are being discovered every year.

Europe

In Italy, the legacy of the Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization, is visible through an extensive network of underground tunnels known as "Vie Cave" or "Etruscan Ways." These narrow, canyon-like paths, which were dug into tuff stone, often reach staggering heights, creating an impressive spectacle. Their purpose remains largely a mystery, with theories ranging from a means of communication and transport between settlements, to having religious or ceremonial importance.

On the archipelago of Malta is home to a vast network of underground tunnels. The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an extraordinary subterranean structure dating back to around 3300-3000 BC. This labyrinthine complex spans three levels, with rooms, halls, and passages hewn directly into the limestone. The Hypogeum was likely used as both a sanctuary and a necropolis, with remains of over 7,000 individuals discovered within its depths.

Elsewhere in Europe, the city of Odessa in Ukraine is known for its labyrinthine catacombs, which stretch approximately 2,500 kilometers, making them among the largest networks of tunnels anywhere in the world. Originally, these tunnels were the result of limestone mining in the 19th century, the same limestone used to build much of the city. Over time, the catacombs served various purposes – from a hideout for Soviet partisans during World War II to an illicit playground in more recent years. These varied examples underline Europe's rich history of utilizing subterranean spaces for an array of purposes, each of them contributing to our understanding of past civilizations.

The ability of ancient people to shape the earth, to build beneath the surface, and to create these complex subterranean networks across continents is a testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and adaptability. These underground cities, tunnels, and structures are more than just historical relics; they are enduring symbols of humanity's enduring desire to innovate, adapt, and survive.

Top image: Man standing in underground city of Derinkuyu, Turkey. Source: Parilov / Adobe Stock.

By Joanna Gillan

References

Discovering the Labyrinthine Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/130]

The Mysterious Longyou Caves. Smithsonian Magazine. [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-mystery-of-chinas-caves-75937018/]

Archaeologists Discover Underground Cities in Cusco, Peru. Archeology News Network. [https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2012/04/archaeologists-discover-underground.html]

The Etruscan Ways: Ancient Roads Carved into Stone. Atlas Obscura. [https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/vie-cave]

Teotihuacan's Underground Tunnel System. National Geographic. [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/archaeology/teotihuacan/]

The Labyrinth Beneath the Giza Plateau. Ancient Code. [https://www.ancient-code.com/the-incredible-ancient-underground-labyrinth-discovered-in-egypt/]

The Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. World Heritage Sites Ethiopia. [http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/lalibela.html]

Unraveling the Mystery of the Longyou Caves. Amusing Planet. [https://www.amusingplanet.com/2016/09/the-mystery-of-longyou-caves.html]

Secrets of the Odessa Catacombs. BBC Travel. [http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20191014-the-worlds-largest-catacomb-isnt-where-youd-think]

 

Comments

I know that our current understanding of the history of intelligent life on theis planet is quote flawed. We really have no idea of what 'a long time' is. Instead of 'In the begining' I believe the truth starts with...'Once upon a time a long time ago, in a place far far away....'. Everything pretty much changed for me after reading Genisis...I think it's chap.6 ver 4 when the Nephilium are mentioned...yea...that kind of changes everything.

It is my contention that all European and American tunnel systems are simply survival technology during the Third Meltwater Pulse (between 11,200 and 7,000 years ago. During that period, ice melt from the Laurentide sheet and other northern glaciers melted so rapidly oceans rose 195' (that means worldwide) in just over 4,000 years. To accomplish that astounding feat requires a known amount of thermodynamic energy. The exact calculation can be obtained by any competent math student. It requires a given heat index to melt a gallon of water from a block of ice. Multiply that by the number of gallons of water in worldwide oceans at 195' depth, and you have the total energy required to produce the Third Meltwater Pulse. The actual number is staggering.
In addition, the above mentioned pulse started 'instantly' about 11,200 years ago, and ended as instantly 7,000 years ago. The only Occam's Razor postulate that accounts for such a huge energy transfer is an remarkably high heat index increase in the earth's ambient temperature. And the only probably explanation for that is that the Earth moved closer to the sun in some cataclysmic event (called the "Pool Ball Effect" of an encounter or near impact with a passing large body. The only other alternative is that the Sun moved closer to the Earth, though much less practical.

If the ambient surface temperature increased to the level that would account for the tremendous ice sheet melt of that period, that surface temperature would be globally like living in Death Valley full time, or something on the order of 115 to 120 degree surface temperature or slightly more. Such a temperature would render the surface nearly uninhabitable, except for short periods of time, driving populations to build underground cities and tunnel travel systems.

It is my opinion as to the explanations for the subterranean tunnels and habitation systems found all over the world.

I have much more research evidence to support the above view than just my opinion. For example, the Zep Tepi (early pre-dynasty Egyptians) chronicled at least two previous calendars, one of 360 solar days, and an earlier one of 288 solar days. The 360 day calendar was the original form of all developing cultures from the Sumerians, Egyptians, Ethiopians, Chinese, and Maya. Which was followed by an addition of 5.25 'dead days' about 3,600 years ago. If the Zep Tepi calendar changed to a shorter cycle as indicated by their records, then the Earth got significantly closer to the sun. When the Ice Melt Pulse ended -7,000 years ago almost exactly, the Earth moved back out to a 360 day solar cycle, which is evidenced in ALL early cultures. The early Zodiac attests to that cycle.

I am writing a book on the subject, which should be out later this year.

John Jensen
Ancient Canal Builders, Earth Epochs, Electrostatic Earth

Awesome.

archaeologyrocks

great finds! Keep me updated

Craig, not just the caves and tunnels: think of all the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, dug hundreds of feet deep through solid rock, then lavishly decorated, and the lighting system required.

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Joanna

Joanna Gillan is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. 

Joanna completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree in Australia and published research in the field of Educational Psychology. She has a rich and varied career, ranging from teaching... Read More

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