Divers Return to Lebanon’s Ancient Underwater City of Tyre
A green sea turtle swims through the submerged ancient harbour off Tyre, Lebanon. Photo: RomanDeckert / Wikimedia Commons.
Divers are returning to explore the remarkable underwater archaeological remains off the ancient Lebanese city of Tyre, where centuries of history lie beneath the Mediterranean.
Once one of the most important cities of the ancient Phoenician world, Tyre was a major maritime and trading centre before later becoming an important Greek and Roman city. Today, part of its extraordinary history can be explored underwater.
Beneath the surface, divers can encounter submerged stone walls, ancient passageways, harbour structures and the remains of a road, offering a glimpse into a city with thousands of years of maritime history.
Diving activity in the area was badly affected by the recent conflict, while concerns were also raised about potential damage to Tyre’s archaeological heritage. However, local divers say the underwater sites appear to have escaped significant damage and visitors are gradually beginning to return.
There are now hopes that further archaeological surveys can be carried out and greater protection given to the submerged remains. Plans have also been discussed to develop underwater archaeological parks, potentially allowing more divers to experience Tyre’s history while helping to preserve it for the future.
Tyre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, recognised for its exceptional archaeological importance and its role as one of the great Phoenician cities.
For divers, its submerged ruins offer the rare opportunity to explore not only the underwater world, but thousands of years of human history at the same time.
Sources: Associated Press / UNESCO
