Atlantis

Atlantis is a legendary island or continent said to have been situated in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar. According to legend the island sank into the sea in a sudden catastrophic series of earthquakes, with the loss of all its inhabitants and culture.

The main source of the legend is Plato, who mentioned Atlantis in two of his dialogues, Timaeus and Critias. Plato described Atlantis as having a rich civilization and strong influence on the region. His description has led Atlantis to be thought of as a utopia.1

Throughout the ages Atlantis has held a fascination with the public and many people have discussed the possibility that the legend is based on fact. However scholars agree that Atlantis was invented by Plato for illustrative purposes.2

The legend of Atlantis is sometimes linked to the Minoan eruption (AKA Thera eruption), which occurred some time around 1500BC. The island of Thera, now called Santorini, is sometimes said to be a possible location of Atlantis.3

Map from Ignatius Donelly's Atlantis: the Antediluvian World (1882).