For the first time in decades, many ancient ruins are visible across Europe.
However, the reasons behind their appearance have alarmed many experts, according to Bianette.
What happened?
Record drought in many European countries has had bittersweet side effects.
As precipitation decreases in 2025, so do many of the region’s water sources. This has led to the resurfacing of many ancient sites that had been buried underwater for many years.
In Türkiye, the worst drought in more than sixty years has caused water levels in many of the country’s lakes to plummet. The water level of Lake Iznik, the largest natural lake in the Marmara region, dropped by 50 meters.
This exposed a large area of a cathedral built 1,500 years ago. Other countries such as Spain and Italy have also seen the reappearance of some ancient ruins.
While this may be exciting for archaeologists in the region, others warn it’s a worrying trend. As Bjarne points out, the reappearance of ancient sites is “no cause for celebration,” a sentiment echoed by Joan Riera, mayor of Vila Nova dessau, Spain.
“Visitors coming here have nothing to celebrate because this is the result of a natural disaster that severely affects our region,” Riera said.
Why are the re-emergence of ancient ruins in Türkiye worrying?
According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 is one of the three warmest years on record, along with 2024 and 2023.
The World Meteorological Organization says severe air pollution is the main cause of rising temperatures.
Professor Adam Scaife, head of the Met Office’s global forecast team, said: “Years that are not affected by El Niño, such as 2025, should be cooler.”
“2016 was an El Niño year and was the hottest year on record for global temperatures. However, 2016 now looks decidedly cooler compared to our projections for 2025.”
Above-average global temperatures lead to increased evaporation, leading to reduced precipitation in many regions, including Europe.
Rising temperatures also disrupt the water cycle, accelerating droughts and depleting water resources such as freshwater lakes.
What measures are being taken?
Historian and museologist Emel Gülşah Akın explains why the reappearance of many ancient sites across Europe is so ominous.
“In ancient times, when great droughts and other natural factors led to the collapse of civilizations, we have long observed the impact of climatic conditions on society,” Akin began.
“The difference is that in the past, such changes would have taken place over thousands of years, or at least centuries; now, they happen much faster, in just a few decades.”
Archaeologist Gül Yurun Mavinil stresses that the conditions in which ancient sites are unearthed themselves endanger them.
“Archaeological remains that are suddenly exposed to semi-arid or dry conditions after existing in a highly humid environment are susceptible to rapid physical and chemical degradation. Without appropriate protection measures, these assets will quickly deteriorate,” Mavenier said.
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