Researchers in Spain have rediscovered mysterious islands that sank into the ocean millions of years ago, with some of their beaches, remarkably still intact. These islands are believed to be linked to the legendary Atlantis.
Luis Somoza, head of a project studying volcanic activity near the Canary Islands, suggested that this discovery could be the origin of the Atlantis myth. The research team found that the islands, which rest on an underwater mountain or seamount, contain nearly three dormant volcanoes and span about 31 miles (50 kilometers) in diameter. They named this seamount Mount Los Atlantes, drawing inspiration from Plato’s fabled civilization, which was said to have been submerged as a divine punishment.
The tale of Atlantis originates from the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who first mentioned the lost kingdom in his dialogues “Timaeus” and “Critias,” written around 360 BCE. According to Plato, Atlantis was a powerful and advanced civilization that existed about 9,000 years before his time. It was said to be located beyond the “Pillars of Hercules” (now known as the Strait of Gibraltar) and was characterized by its immense wealth, advanced technology, and sophisticated society.
Plato described Atlantis as a utopian civilization that eventually fell out of favour with the gods due to its moral decay and corruption. According to the story, the gods punished Atlantis by causing a catastrophic event—either a massive earthquake, volcanic eruption, or flood—that led to the island’s submersion into the ocean, never to be seen again.
For centuries, the story of Atlantis has captured the imaginations of historians, archaeologists, and adventurers alike. Some viewed it as a purely allegorical tale, a moral lesson about the dangers of hubris. Others believed that Atlantis was a real place, and countless theories have emerged about its possible location, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean.
Somoza, a geologist with Spain’s Geological and Mining Institute (IGME-CSIC), noted in a translated statement, “These islands were above water in the past and have since sunk, continuing to sink as the Atlantis legend describes.” The scientists discovered Mount Los Atlantes during an exploration of the seabed off the eastern coast of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at depths ranging from 330 to 8,200 feet (100 to 2,500 meters).
This dive was part of IGME-CSIC’s Atlantis project, which aims to better understand the region’s underwater hydrothermal and volcanic activity.
The research suggests that Los Atlantes was likely part of a chain of islands that existed during the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago. “We have identified beaches, cliffs, and sand dunes at the flat summit of the seamount,” Somoza explained to Live Science, adding that the sand covering the volcanic rock was likely deposited as the islands were actively sinking.
The discovery of the lost kingdom of Atlantis would be one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. Recent research and advanced technologies, such as satellite imaging, underwater exploration, and geological studies, have led some researchers to propose that they have found evidence of Atlantis.
One of the most prominent theories suggests that Atlantis may have been located near the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. This region was the site of a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE, which destroyed the Minoan civilization on Crete and led to the collapse of their culture. Some scholars argue that the Minoans, with their advanced architecture, maritime prowess, and sophisticated society, could have been the inspiration for Plato’s Atlantis.
The discovery of Atlantis would have profound implications for archaeology, geology, and even climate science. It could provide evidence of ancient natural disasters and their impacts on human populations, offering valuable lessons for modern societies facing similar threats.
Culturally, the discovery of Atlantis would be a momentous event, validating a story that has persisted for over two millennia. It would capture the global imagination, inspiring new explorations, artistic interpretations, and scholarly debates. The legend of Atlantis has influenced countless works of literature, film, and art, and its discovery would only deepen our fascination with this mysterious civilization.
Some of these beaches are located just 200 feet (60 meters) below the ocean’s surface. During the last ice age, when sea levels were significantly lower, the dormant volcanoes likely re-emerged as islands. Somoza speculated that these islands could have provided habitats for wildlife before sinking again when sea levels rose at the end of the ice age.
The discovery of the lost kingdom of Atlantis would be a historic and transformative event. It would not only confirm one of history’s most enduring legends but also provide a treasure trove of knowledge about the ancient world, reshaping our understanding of the past and its lessons for the future.
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