5 ancient cities once considered myths that actually exist!

If you go through ancient history, it won’t be an exaggeration to state that it frequently blurs the distinction between myth and truth. This leaves many fabled cities caught between fact and fiction. While civilisations, such as the mythological Atlantis and biblical Sodom remain speculative, other legendary towns once thought to be mere tales have been discovered and proven true. Here are five ancient towns that were formerly thought to be myths but have since been shown to exist.

Heraklion, also known as Thonis, was once a thriving ancient Egyptian port city at the mouth of the Nile River. According to reports, archaeologists discovered sunken ruins off the coast of present-day Alexandria in 2000 because It was hidden for a long time. Heracleion, like Atlantis, has sunk beneath the waves and been preserved under 19 feet of water. Today, it is a buried treasure for archaeologists and divers alike, offering details about ancient Egyptian trade and society.

For decades, Nineveh was thought to be solely legendary. It served as the historical capital of the Assyrian Empire. Located in what is now modern-day Mosul, Iraq, Nineveh was once the world's biggest city. Although it was left mostly abandoned by the 13th century AD, the city was rediscovered in the 19th century, and its majestic ruins remain as a witness to its previous grandeur.

Vinland was believed to be a mythical land, described by Viking explorers from Greenland, and was thought that it might exist in the far west. Historians debated its existence for centuries until an abandoned Viking settlement was discovered at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, in 1960. This proves that it was once inhabited by Vikings. It was in North America about 1000 years ago, defeating Columbus by many centuries.

Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire. and is an amazing archaeological site in modern Turkey. While it was considered a lost city for a long time, it was later discovered and offered a major contribution to our understanding of ancient civilisations. According to records, Hattusa was rediscovered in the early 20th century, and in 1986 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Troy was previously thought to be a myth from Homer's ‘Iliad’ until researchers in Turkey discovered the city's ruins in the 19th century. This archaeological site played an important part in Greek and Anatolian history. Tourists can visit the site today and it serves as a reminder of ancient times.