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A team of researchers have found an old military fortress underneath the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.

Military fortress was once known as Fortress Alcatraz and was made popular by the Hollywood blockbuster, The Rock. The research team used the ground penetrating radar to uncover the left of the fortress.

"We know from records and drawings that Alcatraz, at one time called Fortress Alcatraz, has been heavily fortified," said Mark Everett, a professor of geology and geophysics from then National Parks Service and the Chico State University in California, in the press release.

Alcatraz is known to be the one of the most notorious prisons of the world. According to historical records, the island was once an important facility in 1800s.

"At one time, it had 105 cannons that were to be used to protect the Bay area. We know that the soldiers constructed what was called a 'caponier,' a large concrete and brick structure that extended outward so that if invaded, you could fire from different angles," Everett added.

A Mexican governor named Pio Pico once owned the island but over the years the ownership changed few times. Later it was purchased by the U.S. government and was set aside for the military purposes.

"We also know that the U.S. Army built underground tunnels and embankments, and we believe we have found the remains of several of these using ground-penetrating radar," added Everett in press release.

"One of the big problems that always plagued Alcatraz was water. It had none, and water had to be brought in to fill a water tower on the grounds."