Atlantis; it’s the city of legend. As the folklore goes, Atlantis was/is an underwater city known for being an advanced civilization. For centuries, mankind has ventured the seven seas in hopes of finding this submerged society. However, what if I told you that the discovery of Atlantis is closer than you think. Resist if you’d like, young Neo, but the truth is undeniable as I have foreseen it. Mankind will have a modern underwater city that is completely known to the world by 2100. Thus, in this article we’ll explore possible Atlantis sites.
You’ll inevitably reject this notion at first; the ignorant always do. “Dan, that’s impossible! Mankind will not be able to build a new city underwater by the year 2100” you’ll undoubtedly say; and you’d be right. After all, mankind is pretty bad at terra-forming, no matter how hard Elon tries to convince you of otherwise. However, Atlantis will not be built underwater, but on dry land. Right now, you’re looking at me with a look of bewilderment “Dan, why the flying fuck would we choose to submerge a city? That’s so stupid!”. Again, you’d be right on both fronts; it’s incredibly stupid, and we wouldn’t choose to do it. Rather, the submersion will happen whether we want it to or not (like date night with DeShaun Watson). Thanks to rising global sea levels, we will submerge numerous coastal cities around the world. So, in a way, Atlantis has already been built; Phase 1 complete. Phase 2 is the eventual submersion, courtesy of climate change. Now that you’ve transitioned from denial to reluctant acceptance of my claim, allow me to enlighten you further.
But first, I’ll go over some basic selection criteria. I’ll only be looking at major cities with currently-high populations. While I have nothing against small villages in the Philippines, Atlantis has always been referred to as a major city (seriously, even Yu-Gi-Oh has depicted Atlantis as such), thus I’ll only be selecting large cities. I’ll focus on cities with unique architecture or other identifying landmarks, so milquetoast zip codes such as Cleveland will not be making this list. My focus on architecture and landmarks is crucial because they represent a physical manifestation of the culture of the people who lived there. With that said, I’ll also partially consider the present-day culture of the people who live there, though to a lesser degree than I would architecture; humans will abandon uninhabitable places, but statues cannot. Let’s find Atlantis.
Coke lords and spicy Latinas rejoice! Miami is a sure-fire Atlantis candidate for 2100. Miami has a unique culture relative to many other American cities, as it serves as the first metropolitan entry point and immigration hub for many Caribbean and Central American migrants to the U.S. The Spanish and Haitian influences are readily apparent in the street names (Calle Ocho, anyone?) and the architecture. These influences will give the 22nd century scuba enthusiasts plenty to marvel and be amazed at. Miami’s status as Future Atlantis is also helped by its weak foundation. That wasn’t a political or cultural joke; I’m being very literal right now. Historians will remember the city for rising up despite the lack of a native industry (it’s not like Detroit and the auto industry or San Francisco and apps) while turning a blind eye regarding Pablo’s chief export.
New York City is another Atlantis hopeful, and for good reason. While it’s situated a little higher above sea level than its Floridian counterpart, New York City is still by no means safe. The city government literally created an interactive flood zone map because so much of their current population is at risk. New York City will be a wonder for a diving fanatic a century from now; the endlessly winding tunnels of their famed subway system will leave explorers breathless (literally! They’d run out of oxygen tanks trying to cover all of those tracks), they could also say hello to Lady Liberty while they’re at it. Historians will regale submarine-based tourists (hopefully not like these guys) about all sorts of NYC lore; Wall St, America’s Melting Pot via Ellis Island, Burroughs, hot dog stands, and so much more.
If AquaMan is looking to invest some of his clams (haha, get it?) on EU real estate, then he’ll want to give Amsterdam a look. Much of the city is already below sea level, and this trend will only continue. The city, like many others in the middle of the EU, boasts centuries of architecture and mixed ethnicities. An avid snorkeler will be able to flounder about in the former Red Light District as they get to see first-hand the prostrated prostitutes and the laxed drug culture. Historians of the next century will get to brag about the city’s progressive stances on these issues, particularly if they felt like throwing shade at the United States while doing so.
While not in an immediate risk of becoming Atlantis, we cannot sleep on Tokyo either. Roughly 1/3rd of the Japanese capital currently lies in a flood zone, and this number is only expected to rise in the coming decades. Japan wouldn’t even be the first Pacific nation to be impacted by rising levels as Poseidon has swallowed some Pacific islands whole. Tokyo’s ultra-modern chic exterior combined with remnants from a uniquely sheltered past would make it a scuba dive full of wonder and amazement for those in the 2100’s. Historians could recount tales of Japan’s historically low crime rate, one-of-a-kind culture and its former cuisine while neglecting to mention Japanese war crimes (like a true history teacher!).
Istanbul is another maritime-focused city that would make a fine candidate for being Atlantis. Istanbul is commonly mistaken for being the capital of Turkey due to its uber-important location. Istanbul currently controls access to the Black Sea, and hence is a major player in regional (and perhaps global) trade and naval warfare. Istanbul’s various historical markets, mosques, churches and other structures from its various historical occupants would assuredly strike awe into the hearts of a 22nd century diver. Tour guides can mention everything from the city’s importance to the former Silk Road (no, not that one), to it’s military might and it’s regional dominance, all while denying that a genocide ever took place. Fun for the whole family!
“Dan, you haven’t talked about Africa yet! Eat lead, you racist!” an angrily Woke reader of mine will proclaim. Nice try, kid. I fully support modern diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and hence I would never exclude Africans from involuntarily creating Atlantis. Cape Town, South Africa would be a fantastic representative for the African diaspora in the competition of Who Gets to Become Atlantis? Cape Town currently sits pretty low, thus making it a delectable entrée for the Roman God Neptune in the near-future. An avid history buff will be able to view the stark contrast between the upscale Whites-only neighborhoods and the Blacks-only townships from the pre-Mandela era. Historians will speak about the apartheid past before uncomfortably shifting the focus onto more pleasant topics such as Elon’s inventions and Scarlett Johansson’s (*coughs*) best assets.
Rather than sharpening your pitchforks, try saving the environment instead…
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