Undercitys

Undercitys, also known as subterranean cities or underground metropolises, are fictional or hypothetical urban settlements located beneath the surface of a planet. They are a recurring theme in science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction, often serving as a refuge from harsh surface conditions, a symbol of societal decline, or a setting for hidden civilizations.

The concept of an undercity can manifest in various forms. In some narratives, they are sprawling, self-sufficient communities with their own ecosystems, power sources, and social structures. These cities might be carved into natural caverns, excavated deep into the earth, or built within immense underground complexes. Reasons for their existence often include extreme weather, environmental collapse, alien invasion, or a desire for isolation and secrecy.

Undercitys can also represent a stark contrast to the world above. They might be depicted as technologically advanced havens for the elite, or conversely, as impoverished, overcrowded ghettos for the marginalized. The atmosphere within an undercity is frequently portrayed as claustrophobic, dimly lit, and mysterious, with inhabitants adapted to life away from sunlight.

The idea of living underground has some basis in reality, with historical examples of cave dwellings and modern subterranean structures like bunkers and mining towns. However, the fully realized, independent undercity as depicted in fiction remains a speculative concept, exploring themes of survival, societal stratification, and humanity's relationship with its environment.