In this episode of Depth Dive, we plunge into the murky waters of East African history to unravel the mystery of Rhapta, the “lost city” that once dominated ancient trade routes. Known in Roman texts as a bustling hub for tortoiseshell, metalwork, and all things exotic, Rhapta seemingly vanished overnight, leaving only scattered mentions in dusty scrolls. But did it really disappear, or is it hiding right under our noses?

Join us as we explore the tantalizing clues pointing to Mafia Island, Tanzania, where strange underwater ruins discovered by scuba diver Alan Sutton just might be the fabled city. With a humorous touch and an eye for the bizarre, we dig into ancient travel guides, Roman gossip, and the wild theories that have emerged about what could’ve wiped Rhapta off the map.

Is this underwater site the real Rhapta, or just some ancient Tanzanian rock garden? Find out as we examine the evidence, question the skeptics, and try to finally answer one of history’s most entertainingly elusive mysteries.