Discovering the Lost City of Atlantis
The Lost City Of Atlantis
The legendary island of Atlantis was said to be a rich naval empire that existed over 12,000 years ago. It’s been described as a beautiful, Eden-like utopia with lush gardens, exotic fruit, and magnificent palaces made of gold and ivory stone.
It was said to be populated by demigods, led by Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea—that is, until the entire island suddenly vanished deep into the Atlantic Ocean, taking everyone and everything with it.
While many believe this island paradise to be fictional, there are some die-hard researchers who beg to differ. Here’s everything we know about the Lost City of Atlantis—including remarkable findings from a 2024 research team.
Who Discovered Atlantis?
The intriguing legend of Atlantis started with Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical period. Plato wrote about it in 360 BC, saying that he had been told about it by his grandfather—who heard about it from an Athenian statesman, who heard it from an Egyptian priest.
Where Is Atlantis?
According to Plato, Atlantis is believed to have existed somewhere near The Canary Islands and Madeira Islands, outward from the Strait of Gibraltar, and relatively close to the Mediterranean Sea.
But while Plato’s story is prominent, other location hypotheses include Helike, Thera, and Troy—all of which are ancient lost cities believed to have been submerged long ago.
The Collector of Moments Photography & Video, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
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How Big Was It?
While it is often referred to as a city, some believe Atlantis was an entire island nation.
According to Plato, Atlantis was “larger than Libya and Asia combined,” which, in Plato’s time, would have referred to modern-day northern Africa and over half of Turkey.
It is said to have been circular in shape, with ringed moats and a large canal running through the middle, connecting with the sea.
What Did It Look Like?
Atlantis was said to be a beautiful place, brimming with natural resources, lush gardens and corals, large mountains, exotic fruit, impressive architecture, and advanced technology.
It’s been described as a true paradise, with a utopian civilization.
But there’s something about the people of Atlantis that leads many to believe this island haven may actually be more fiction than fact.
