Made by Pauline Zalitzki and Paul Weinzweig of Advanced Digital Communications (ADC) in 2001.
Collaboration with the Cuban government off the coast of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula.
Use of sonar technology revealed stone structures 650 meters below the surface, resembling an urban complex.
Media Frenzy:
Headlines claimed "Atlantis Found in Cuba," drawing significant attention.
Interest from the government, national museums, and geographical organizations.
Details of the Structures
Structure Characteristics:
Geometric and symmetrical stone constructions.
Some stones appeared pyramid-shaped; others were round or rectangular.
Structures made of large stone blocks, some arranged in layers.
Geological Insights:
Dr. Manuel Iturralde, a geologist, noted the structures caught the imagination and were hard to explain geologically.
Estimate of 50,000 years to submerge to current depths, which is inconsistent with known historical architecture.
Theories and Speculations
Atlantis Comparisons:
Media speculated connections to the myth of Atlantis.
Zalitzki and Weinzweig resisted these comparisons, suggesting the ruins might be a local culture linked to a land bridge between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Local Myths:
References to Maya and Yucateco myths of a sunken island homeland.
Skeptical Views:
Some believe the formations could be natural geological phenomena.
Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews points out the depth inconsistency with historic sea levels during the Pleistocene.
Developments and Controversy
Lack of Follow-Up:
Promised investigations by National Geographic and other institutions never materialized.
Interest waned and media coverage ceased.
Concealment Suspicions:
Some suggest a cover-up due to sudden dismissal of the discovery.
Experts were not convinced of an ancient city, leading to the story fading away.
Conclusion
Whether the structures are a natural phenomenon or remnants of an ancient civilization remains unresolved.
The discovery continues to intrigue those interested in archeology and ancient myths, but lacks conclusive evidence or follow-up research.