Deep in Italy lies an ancient sunken city once favored by the rich and powerful, called the Las Vegas of Rome.
Incredible underwater footage shows the abandoned ruins of the booming Bay of Naples holiday spot where fish now roam the rich grounds.
Parts of the city, which covers a large area of 177 hectares, remain in relatively good condition with ancient monuments and many statues still on the seabed.
Archaeologists and divers have discovered a former Roman city after finding a stunning marble floor about 20 feet below the surface.
The stunning images show a mosaic floor, consisting of thousands of colorful marble slabs, expertly fitted together to form what researchers believe to be a villa reception.
According to Felgari Fields Archaeological Park, the materials and patterns used towards the city date back to at least the 3rd century.
More than 2,000 years ago, Baya was a resort for thousands of wealthy tourists looking for a secluded and private getaway.
Widely regarded as an affluent and fashionable beach resort, the area was visited by some of Rome's elite.
Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Cicero and Hadrian roamed the ancient city in their time.
John Smoot, a researcher who has collaborated with local archaeologists to study the site, even claims that Cleopatra once visited the city.
“There are many stories about the intrigue with Baya,” he said. Rumor has it that Cleopatra fled Baya on her boat after Julius Caesar was killed in 44 BC, while Julia Agrippina plotted the death of her husband Claudius in Baya so that her son Nero would become emperor of Rome.
The streets were lined with luxurious villas built by millionaires with celebrities who were said to be enjoying the towns revitalizing volcanic hot springs.
Dubbed the “Las Vegas of Rome,” the city quickly gained a reputation for making the richest gambler's wildest dreams come true.
Sculptures of naked men can still be seen underwater, representing the lust of cities.
Seneca, the famous Roman Stoic philosopher, was adamant that the “city of sin” should be avoided at all costs.
This is reportedly due in part to the daily strip fights and drunken walks that were common in Baya.
Its decline began with the fall of the Roman Empire, which saw the Crusaders and several formidable armies attack the city.
But Baia's ultimate downfall was due to its location 30 kilometers from Naples, as it is in an area of volcanic activity.
Over the centuries, the city was constantly rocked by hydrothermal and seismic activity, causing it to sink into the watery grave where it lies today.
In 2002, the site became a marine protected area meaning that licensed divers can explore the underwater cemetery.
This article originally appeared in The Sun and is reproduced with permission
