Atlantis

Atlantis, a legendary island first mentioned by Plato in the Timaeus; a description of its supposed commonwealth is included in his Critias. It was supposed to have been engulfed by a tidal wave after its armies had overrun most of western Europe, only Athens successfully defying its assault. Presumably it arose again from the sea, since it was later identified with other well-known mythical islands, particularly the Greek Isles of the Blest, the Portuguese Isle of Seven Cities, the Welsh Avalon, and the legendary island of Brasil. These islands were shown on the maps and charts of the 14th and 15th centuries and formed the objectives of several early voyages of exploration by sea, none of course successful. The actual position of Atlantis itself was marked on many charts of the Atlantic as a rock in 44° 48′ N., 26° 10′ W. at least as late as the mid-19th century, when it was proved by detailed surveys not to exist.

In 2004 a search for it began in the Mediterranean between Cyprus and Syria after Russian and Israeli scientists found an area there in 1989 which has features similar to those described by Plato. Claims have also been made to have found it off, among other places, the Azores, Crete, and Santorini.

See also lyonesse.