People cannot help but wonder why such a large city left no trace in historical records. According to a Chinese newspaper, it was recorded in historical documents that a city named Yuyuan was established in the Fuxian Lake area by the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD), but that there are no further historical records of the city after the Sui and Tang Dynasty (589-907AD). Local legend has it that Yuyuan City and its people sank to the bottom of Fuxian Lake.

 One of the structures resembles a pyramid of stones ornamented with various designs and symbols. Amongst the many engraved stones, one stone has attracted particular attention. On the top right of the stone is carved a small circle surrounded by seven radial lines, resembling the Sun. On the left side of the stone is carved a similar circle, but with only four radial lines.

According to experts, a Sun-shaped intaglio [type of carving] on a stone is very rare and believed to be more than 1,800 years old.

The investigation team also found on the stones some carvings resembling masks. Other marks found at the site include “0” and “1” signs and seven holes carved in a neat design in the stones. Some simple line drawings were also found, one of which resembles a human face. On some other stones were carved signs looking like Roman numeral “1” and the English letter “y” arranged in a row.

Experts admitted it is not yet possible to decipher these symbols. If the underwater relics are indeed far older than 1,800 years old, the scientists will have to explain what tools could have been used for such carvings at that time.

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