The existence of Atlantis the lost city is a topic of ongoing debate among scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts. While there’s no conclusive evidence to prove or disprove the existence of Atlantis, here’s a summary of the myth and the arguments for and against:
Atlantis (Ancient Greek: τλαντ ν σο romanized: Atlantìs nêsos, lit. ‘island of Atlas’) is a fictional island mentioned in Plato’s works Timaeus and Critias as part of an allegory on the hubris of nations. In the story, Atlantis is described as a naval empire that ruled all Western parts of the known world, making it, in literary terms, the counter-image of the Achaemenid Empire. After an ill-fated attempt to conquer “Ancient Athens,” Atlantis falls out of favor with the deities and submerges into the Atlantic Ocean. According to Plato, Athens resembles his ideal state, as outlined in The Republic. was a island nation located beyond the “Pillars of Hercules” (the modern-day Strait of Gibraltar), which controlled a vast empire that extended into Europe and Africa.This resemblance highlights the superiority of Plato’s concept of a state, which the Atlantis story serves to illustrate.
Here are more detailed explanations of the arguments for and against the existence of Atlantis the lost city .
Arguments for Atlantis being a lost continent:
1. Plato’s detailed descriptions :
Plato’s dialogues Timaeus and Critias provide detailed descriptions of Atlantis’s geography, architecture, and culture. Plato describes Atlantis as a island nation located beyond the “Pillars of
Hercules” (the modern-day Strait of Gibraltar), with a vast plain surrounded by mountains. He also describes the city of Atlantis, with its advanced architecture, sophisticated system of government, and powerful military.
Some researchers argue that Plato’s descriptions are too detailed and specific to be mere fantasy. They suggest that Plato may have been describing a real place that he had heard about through oral tradition or written records.
2. Similarities with real events:
Some researchers have pointed out similarities between the story of Atlantis and real events in history. For example:
– The destruction of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, which was devastated by a massive volcanic eruption around 1500 BCE. This event may have inspired Plato’s story of the downfall of Atlantis.
– The flooding of the Black Sea, which occurred around 5600 BCE due to the breaching of a natural dam. This event may have inspired Plato’s story of the catastrophic flood that destroyed Atlantis.
3. Underwater archaeological discoveries:
Recent discoveries of underwater archaeological sites have sparked speculation about the possibility of finding Atlantis. For example:
– The ancient city of Thonis-Heraklion, which was discovered in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt. This city was submerged underwater around 1200 BCE due to a combination of earthquakes and floods.
– The underwater city of Shicheng, which was discovered in Qiandao Lake in China. This city was flooded in 1959 to create a reservoir, but its ruins remain intact underwater.
Arguments against Atlantis being a lost continent:
1. Lack of concrete evidence
Despite extensive research and numerous claims of discovery, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of Atlantis. No physical remains of the city or its inhabitants have been found, and no written records of Atlantis exist outside of Plato’s dialogues.
2. Plato’s allegorical intentions:
Many scholars interpret Plato’s story of Atlantis as an allegory or metaphor, rather than a historical account. Plato often used myths and allegories to convey philosophical ideas, and the story of Atlantis may be intended to illustrate his theories about the nature of justice, the ideal society, and the cycle of history.
3. Geological and oceanographic implausibilities:
The existence of a large continent or island in the Atlantic Ocean is unlikely, given our current understanding of geology and oceanography. The Atlantic Ocean is a relatively young body of water, formed around 150 million years ago during the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. Since then, the ocean has been shaped by tectonic forces, ocean currents, and other geological processes that make it unlikely for a large continent or island to exist undetected.
Additionally, the depth of the Atlantic Ocean and the pressure at its floor make it unlikely for any human habitation to exist, let alone a advanced civilization like Atlantis.
Conclusion:
While the story of Atlantis remains fascinating and intriguing, the question of whether it was a lost continent or a myth remains unresolved. Without concrete evidence, it’s impossible to prove or disprove the existence of Atlantis. However, the search for answers continues to inspire research, speculation, and imagination.
Scientists’ opinion:
The lost kingdom of Atlantis, a subject of fascination and speculation for centuries, may have been discovered by scientists off the coast of the Canary Islands. This potential discovery centers around a large seamount, named Mount Los Atlantes, which features three inactive volcanoes.
These volcanoes, each about 50 kilometers in diameter, are located over 2 kilometers below the ocean surface. Researchers from Spain’s Geological and Mining Institute (CSIC) have been studying this submerged mountain, which they believe could be the origin of the Atlantis legend.
The seamount was once part of a system of islands situated east ofLanzarote during the Eocene era, between 56 and 34 million years ago.
Over time, these islands sank into the ocean, a process that continues today. Geologist Luis Somoza, the project coordinator, has noted that these underwater formations still maintain their ancient beaches, aligning with descriptions of Atlantis as an island that sank beneath the waves.
The research team, aboard the oceanographic vessel Sarmiento de Gamboa, conducted an extensive survey of the area from June 27 to August 6, 2024.
Using advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with 5K ultra-resolution cameras and robotic arms, they explored the seafloor at depths of up to 2.5 kilometers. These ROVs also had gas sensors to detect carbon dioxide and methane, providing insights into the region’s volcanic activity.
The study revealed that some of the volcanoes in the underwater region might be more recent than previously thought, potentially serving as submarine equivalents of Spain’s Timanfaya volcano system.
This discovery has significant implications for understanding the geological history of the Canary Islands and the potential risks of future volcanic activity.
The legend of Atlantis originates from the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who described it as a powerful and advanced civilization that existed around 9,000 years before his time. According to Plato, Atlantis was located beyond the “Pillars of Hercules,” which many believe to be the Strait of Gibraltar.
The island was said to have sunk into the ocean in a single day and night of misfortune. Despite numerous theories and searches over the centuries, no definitive evidence of Atlantis has been found until now.
The discovery of Mount Los Atlantes has reignited interest in the Atlantis legend, offering a plausible explanation for its origins. The seamount’s location and characteristics closely match Plato’s descriptions, suggesting that the story of Atlantis may have been inspired by real geological events.
The presence of coral gardens, sponges , and areas covered with bacterial tapestries on the seamount further supports the idea that it was once a thriving island ecosystem.
While the identification of Mount Los Atlantes as Atlantis is still under investigation, the findings have already provided valuable insights into the region’s geological history. The research conducted by the CSIC team highlights the importance of advanced technology in uncovering the mysteries of our planet’s past. As scientists continue to explore and analyze these underwater formations, they may uncover more evidence that could finally solve the mystery of the lost kingdom of Atlantis.