Scientists have discovered an ancient and forgotten city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – and it might be Atlantis.

The U.K.’s Express reports that:

The remote island of Pohnpei, just off the coast of the small nation of Micronesia, is largely unexplored by archaeologists and explorers alike.

Unexplored no more, however, as new satellite images are helping scientists discover some of the island’s hidden gems and forgotten stories.

Snapshots from a video on YouTube called What On Earth? reveals images of the mystery, including an archeological site known as Nan Madol, a part of Pohnpei:

The site is believed to be a city which sits on top of a lagoon and is home to a series of canals and large stone walls.

Researchers believe that the city could date back to the first or second century AD, likely making it one of the first major cities in Pacific Island history.

Pohnpei is 2 500 miles (4 023 kilometres) away from Los Angeles and 16 00 miles (2574 kilometres) from Australia, leaving it right in the middle of nowhere:

Although not much is known about the island’s former inhabitants, Mark McCoy from the Southern Methodist University in Texas has been analysing the findings and believes that Nan Madol was likely an ancient capital city.

He said that:

“The tomb of the first chiefs of Pohnpei is a century older than similar monumental burials of leaders on other islands.

“It was the seat of political power, the centre of the most important religious rituals, and the place where the former chiefs of the island were laid to rest.”

But was there magic? It’s all in here:

[source:express]