Ancient Underwater Structures Discovered in Lake Van Could Rewrite Human History

Mysterious ruins discovered in the depths of Lake Van in Turkey may represent a forgotten city that could challenge current understandings of human history. Divers have uncovered a large circular formation and a wall constructed from interlocking stone blocks submerged approximately 75 feet below the lake's surface.

Researcher Matthew LaCroix, part of the diving team, suggested that the visible ruins might be only a small fraction of a larger, undiscovered city. Based on geological estimates related to volcanic eruptions that sealed the lake's ancient outlet, LaCroix posits that the ruins could be at least 11,700 years old, with some estimates extending as far back as 40,000 years.

The discovered wall features three steps leading to the circular structure and seven tiers of stonework that rise more than eight feet from the lakebed. LaCroix measured over 150 feet of this causeway, which appears to lead into the darker, unexplored depths of the lake. He believes this feature suggests the existence of more buildings belonging to a hidden urban center.

Lake Van is situated in eastern Turkey, about 90 miles from Mount Ararat, a location some associate with the resting place of Noah's Ark. The lake, which covers approximately 1,450 square miles, is Turkey's largest.

Initial discoveries of underwater ruins in Lake Van were made in 2017 by Turkish underwater filmmaker Tahsin Ceylan. He found what appeared to be a stone fortress accompanied by circular temples with meticulously carved masonry. Among the findings was a capstone engraved with a six-spoked 'Flower of Life' symbol.

LaCroix collaborated with Ceylan for a dive in 2025, and it was later, upon reviewing footage from that dive, that the extensive stone wall was identified. While archaeologists acknowledge the presence of the structures, many tentatively attribute them to the Urartian period, around 3,000 years ago, or even the medieval era. However, the site has not yet undergone comprehensive study or definitive dating.

LaCroix's proposed age for the ruins is based on his interpretation of geological evidence concerning the volcanic activity of Mount Nemrut and the historical water levels of Lake Van. Scientific understanding indicates that Lake Van once drained westward, but massive eruptions from Mount Nemrut during the Pleistocene epoch blocked this outlet. LaCroix notes that the Pleistocene epoch concluded 11,700 years ago, with some experts suggesting major eruptions occurred as far back as 40,000 years ago, implying the structures predate these events.

Exploration of the site is challenging due to the lake's sediment-laden water, which significantly reduces visibility. Divers typically have a limited window of clear conditions, usually in the early morning hours. LaCroix himself did not descend to the deeper wall, spending most of his time at the circular ruin, which he described as a "perfect circle."

The causeway was not initially observed during the dive but was identified later in video footage. LaCroix argues that the scale of the stonework suggests it was part of a larger complex, rather than an isolated feature.

Further investigation, including detailed sonar mapping and analysis by underwater archaeologists, is required to confirm the nature of the causeway, determine its destination, and ascertain the extent of any hidden structures. The exact age and purpose of these underwater remains remain subjects of ongoing research and interpretation.