Customer Reviews

Sunken Realms: A Survey of Underwater Ruins from Around the World

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ms. Mutton had clearly done her homework as she prepared her review of the world's sunken ruins. This is a straight-forward survey of the various buildings, roadways, and cities which now exist underwater. She is using the work of others, but given the scope of her review, that is quite acceptable. These ruins are grouped by location, and to a lesser extent, by type. A clear picture emerges from her work -- much of our past is now under the sea, and comparitavely little has been done to recover that past. To the extent that our "wet" history might contradict prevailing theories, this may be deliberate. Thanks to Ms. Mutton for her effort to bring the scope of this phenomenon to our attention.

Being that mankind, especially in ancient times, liked to live along the coasts, it is not odd that this is where we find countless lost cities. This should be a warning to those who live on coasts now: You are at high risk for catrastrophic flooding caused by earthquakes, impact events, etc. See also The Cycle of Cosmic Catastrophes: How a Stone-Age Comet Changed the Course of World Culture.

The author catalogs just about every site and theory from around the world (surprisingly no discussion of Hapgood). Sometimes it comes off too much like an encyclopedia and not enough depth, but there's a lot of interesting nuggets in here. Especially if you're interested in exploring for these ruins. There are times when she refers to maps or photos that don't exist in the book. Good book for those of you obbsessed with Atlantis or Lemuria. See also The Lost Civilization of Lemuria: The Rise and Fall of the Worlds Oldest Culture, Lost Cities of Ancient Lemuria and the Pacific and Lost Cities of Atlantis, Ancient Europe & the Mediterranean.

Whole cities submerged leave much for the mind to wonder about. "Sunken Realms: A Survey of Underwater Ruins from Around the World" discusses these unique sites that would have been lost to the tides of history if not for science's exploration of the ocean floor. Examining sites throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia, as well as the potential true existence of an Atlantis, "Sunken Realms" is a top pick and fascinating read for those who find them fascinated by the untold stories of history.

For those who have wondered about the existence of Atlantis, the wicked sunken pirate city of Port Royal or the mysterious stones of the Bimini Road, Karen Mutton's SUNKEN REALMS will be just what the doctor ordered. Subtitled A COMPLETE CATALOG OF UNDERWATER RUINS, Mutton provides an around-the-world guide to submerged settlements whether located in oceans, lakes, inland seas or springs; controversial discoveries discovered in various coastal locations; legendary lands such as Atlantis, Mu and Lemuria; and how such sunken ruins were created. It's an appealing, well-informed look at a fascinating topic.

SUNKEN REALMS tops out at 282 pages. Mutton starts out with a survey of natural cataclysms that could have impacted ancient civilizations. Succeeding chapters cover Atlantis, Mediterranean sites, Atlantic sites including mythical lands like Thule and Hyperborea, Caribbean sites, Pacific Ocean sites including the legendary Mu, Indian Ocean sites including Lemuria, sites in inland seas, lakes and so on. Each site is nicely summarized. Books and Internet sites, etc. that would supply further information are given as well. Various maps and illustrations are included throughout the book.

Paging through SUNKEN REALMS was entertaining and educational. The sites Mutton covers are the stuff of legend yet Mutton provides a well-grounded summary of each. I would have rated SUNKEN REALM higher but for one omission: no index!

So, wherever you're coming from, you'll find something of interest in SUNKEN REALMS. It's informative and a a great read. Recommended.