Ancient Underwater Secrets Revealed Off France's Coast

Off the coast of Brittany, France, a team of divers made an extraordinary discovery. They found a massive wall, hidden underwater for thousands of years. This wall is not just old; it's ancient, dating back to around 5,800 to 5,300 BC—a time when people were just starting to build lasting structures.

A Larger Discovery

The wall is part of a larger find. Alongside it, divers uncovered a dozen smaller structures, all built by humans during the same period. The largest wall stretches nearly 400 feet long, making it the largest underwater construction ever found in France.

How Did It Get There?

Sea levels were much lower back then. The structures were likely built on what was then the shoreline. Over time, as the sea rose, they were submerged. Today, they sit about nine meters underwater.

What Were These Structures Used For?

Researchers have a few theories:

• They might have been fish traps, helping early humans catch food.
• Or they could have been walls built to protect against rising seas.

Either way, they show that these ancient people had serious skills.

Advanced Construction Techniques

Building these structures wasn't easy. The blocks used weigh several tons. Moving and erecting them required advanced technical know-how. This kind of skill predates the first megalithic constructions by several centuries, showing that ancient societies were more organized and capable than we might have thought.

Local Legends and Sunken Cities

The discovery also sheds light on local legends. The study suggests that the site might be the origin of tales about sunken cities. One such legend is about the lost city of Ys, believed to be in the Bay of Douarnenez. The submersion of these structures could have left a lasting impression on people, inspiring these stories.