Are There Any Undiscovered Underground Cities or Towns?
For many years, the quest to uncover undiscovered underground cities or towns has fascinated archaeologists, adventurers, and the general public alike. The idea of subterranean metropolises shrouded in mystery ignites the imagination, prompting questions about their existence and purpose. However, the reality of the matter is more nuanced.
Lost Cities and Hidden Subterranean Structures
The Amazonian rainforests stand as a testament to ancient human habitation, with numerous cities that were lost or abandoned due to the catastrophic impact of European diseases. Similarly, in present-day Turkey, subterranean "cities" were constructed as temporary shelters during times of raids from Muslim invaders. These structures served not only as respite but also as strategic locations to survive the raids.
It is important to note that the term "undiscovered" can be misleading. Often, these structures are discovered or at least suspected to exist based on various archaeological and geographical studies. However, the extent of these cities and their exact locations can be elusive due to their complex and often hidden nature.
Realities of Undiscovered Underground Cities
While there are numerous tales and legends of undiscovered underground cities, the scientific community generally agrees that it is highly unlikely to find large-scale undiscovered cities. Modern technology has made it nearly impossible for large structures underground to remain hidden. The seismic activity alone would likely reveal the presence of large underground structures, making it difficult to maintain secrecy.
Seismic Readings and Temperature Variations
Even smaller structures, such as tunnels and catacombs, would be difficult to hide from seismic readings. For instance, a simple hammer strike on an anvil would be detectable. Additionally, after a certain depth, the temperature of the Earth's interior rises rapidly, forming a barrier to large-scale human habitation.
Historical Tunnels and Underground Structures in the UK
Despite the myth of undiscovered cities, there are many existing subterranean structures in various parts of the world. For example, several locations in the UK, such as Birmingham, have a network of underground tunnels left over from the Second World War. These tunnels were used as air-raid shelters and to store essential resources, but they were reconstructed and repurposed over time, making them difficult to locate without specific knowledge.
Hidden Cities in London and New York
Even in major cities, there are hidden underground spaces. London, for instance, has an extensive network of sewers and tunnels that were discovered during the construction of the Bazalgette sewer system. Similarly, in New York City, the subway system has areas where people live and stay hidden from the surface world. However, these areas are not considered cities but rather living spaces that have evolved in response to the urban environment.
Ancient Underground Cities and Jewish History
One fascinating example of an ancient underground city that is well-documented is Susya in the southern Hebron hills of Israel. This underground city, known as Susya, dates back to the Byzantine period and early Islamic era. It is a unique example of an ancient Jewish community that had to hide from Roman and other invaders.
A notable feature of Susya is an inscription containing the earliest known use of the Hebrew calendar, which is still in use today. This discovery provides valuable insights into the historical practices and beliefs of the Jewish community in this region.
In conclusion, while the idea of undiscovered underground cities and towns is captivating, the practical realities make such discoveries very unlikely. Modern technology and historical documentation have made it nearly impossible to hide large-scale underground structures. Nonetheless, the remains of ancient cities and hidden subterranean spaces continue to provide valuable insights into our past and offer exciting avenues for further exploration and discovery.