Could this be Atlantis? Researchers uncover potential evidence of fictional lost city buried entirely underwater
Spanish researchers may have found evidence of the mythical city of Atlantis off Lanzarote, Spain, using an underwater robot that explored submerged islands 2,500 meters below the ocean's surface. This discovery could potentially link to Plato¡¯s ancient description of Atlantis, which he claimed sank into the ocean due to the moral decay of its inhabitants.
In his ancient writings like Timaeus and Critias, Greek philosopher Plato famously described the mythical lost city of Atlantis. Now, researchers in Spain may have uncovered evidence of this legendary island, based on samples collected by a robot that descended 2,500 meters beneath the ocean's surface.
What is Atlantis?
National Geographic notes that around 360 B.C., Greek philosopher Plato described the story of Atlantis, a legendary island founded by beings who were part god and part human.
According to Plato, these founders created a utopian society and a powerful navy, residing on a series of concentric islands connected by canals and surrounded by moats. The islands were rich in gold, silver, and exotic wildlife, with a grand capital city at the center.
Plato claimed that Atlantis existed about 9,000 years before his time and that its tale had been handed down through poets, priests, and other storytellers.
However, Plato's accounts are the only known records of Atlantis.
According to his writings, the entire island sank into the ocean in a single day due to the inhabitants' moral decay.
But the mystery of Atlantis is shrouded in intrigue and speculation ever since.
What have researchers found about Atlantis?
There are numerous theories about the location of Atlantis¡ªranging from the Mediterranean to the coast of Spain and even beneath Antarctica. Recently, a promising discovery suggests that the legend of Atlantis might be rooted in the area off the coast of Lanzarote, Spain.
Researchers working on the Atlantis project, part of the IGME-CSIC, believe they may have found the lost city.
Using an underwater robot, they explored a chain of submerged islands off Lanzarote's east coast, descending 2,500 meters below the ocean's surface to collect samples from what is believed to be a sunken island.
The area is now being called "Lost Atlantes."
Marine researcher Luis Somoza from the Geological Survey of Spain told Live Science, "This could be the origin of the Atlantis legend."
He explained that they have identified features like beaches, cliffs, and sand dunes at the summit of the submerged land.
Contrary to the legend, these islands did not sink all at once but gradually over time, as volcanic activity ceased and lava hardened, causing them to sink into the sea.
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