Did Ancient Atlantis Sink 11,500 Years Ago?

The legend of Atlantis has captivated imagination for centuries. Did this ancient civilization truly exist, or is it nothing more than a tale based on historical inaccuracies and myths?

Atlantis as a Fictional Legend

One common belief is that there was an actual ancient Atlantis that sunk in the sea 11,500 years ago. However, this notion is largely contested and debunked by scholars and historians. Atlantis is not a place that can be traced back to the ancient past. Instead, it is a tale constructed by ancient Greek philosopher Plato, based on the eruption of Thera (Santorini) and the Great Atlantic Impact Tsunami.

The Fictional Nature of Atlantis

The term 'Atlantis' was used by Plato as an allegorical argument to discuss the hubris of nations. No original source or archaeological evidence supports the existence of Atlantis as a real civilization. The myth of Atlantis has been perpetuated by later authors for various reasons, including financial gain or to sell books to a gullible audience.

Speculations on the Origin of the Myth

There are speculations about the origin of the Atlantis myth. Some believe that the story might be rooted in the volcanic eruption that devastated the Greek island of Santorini around 1600 BCE, an event that coincides with the catastrophic destruction of the Minoan civilization on Crete and other coastal settlements in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

Others argue that the myth could have been inspired by the myths and legends of various Mediterranean cultures that experienced widespread effects from the eruption of Santorini. These civilizations, including the Israelites, Babylonians, Greeks, Egyptians, and Latins, all had flood myths that could have been influenced by the events of this era.

No Evidence of a More Advanced Civilization

Despite the popularity of the Atlantis myth, no tangible evidence has been found to support the existence of a highly advanced civilization that sank over 11,500 years ago.

Several other cultures have stories of lost lands, and scientific studies show that rising sea levels have certainly drowned few coastal settlements. However, these ancient settlements did not show signs of being more advanced than the contemporary cultures found in the regions. The diffusion of food crops in Eurasia supports this notion, as these crops did not spread to the New World until European contact.

Lesser Known Myths and Legends

As mentioned by some experts, the story of Atlantis as a primary source based on Egyptian records is dubious. Greek myths did not mention Atlantis before Plato's account, and the civilization co-existing with Atlantis 9000 years ago seems implausible given the historical timeline of human development in Greece.

Reference to the Hellno-Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) mythology, it is important to note that the story of Atlantis is often considered a misattribution of ancient Egyptian records. The ancient Egyptian civilization did not have a record of Atlantis, and the links between the Greek and Egyptian myths are often overstated.

Conclusion

The question of whether ancient Atlantis truly existed remains a subject of debate and discussion. While the legend of Atlantis continues to intrigue and attract fantasy enthusiasts, historical and archaeological evidence leans towards its status as a fictional narrative rather than a real civilization.

While scholars continue to explore lesser-known myths and legends, it is essential to separate fictional tales from historical facts. By understanding the origins of these myths, we can better appreciate the rich tapestry of human history and culture.