The Atlantis Myth: Exploring the Truth Behind the Lost Continent

Many people have heard of the lost city of Atlantis, often considering it a real place from our ancient past. However, the truth is quite different. This fascinating myth, first introduced by Plato, is not based in reality but serves as a tale to make a point. In this article, we explore why the notion of Atlantis sinking is a myth and discuss the real historical events that led to the formation of the Santorini caldera, drawing parallels with the famous Krakatau eruption.

Why Atlantis Is Not Real

Plato, a renowned ancient Greek philosopher, wrote about Atlantis in two of his dialogues, Timaeus and Critias. The story of Atlantis is a moral tale designed to illustrate the dangers of hubris and the need for philosophical virtue. Contrary to popular belief, Plato never intended for Atlantis to be taken as a factual account of a real place. The tale of Atlantis sinking is largely a creation of human imagination, fueled by the unwarranted interpretation of the story.

The Real History of Atlantis

Atlantis isn’t a lost city that sank beneath the waves but a fictional place created by Plato. The myth fell into the water and couldn't swim, meaning it couldn't be taken seriously. But where did the idea of Atlantis coming from a submerged city originate? There is a popular joke claiming that "it got swept away by a bath tub plug!" A more serious explanation involves the Minoan civilization of Crete, which was a powerful maritime trading empire during the Bronze Age.

The Minoan Empire and the Santorini Caldera

Before delving into the myth, let's explore the historical context of Atlantis. The Minoan civilization, which existed around 1600 BC, can be considered the basis for Plato's description of Atlantis. However, the Minoans were not a single city but a widespread trading empire centered on Crete and Thera, now known as Santorini. The Ancient Egyptians referred to the Minoans as the Keftiu, their major trading partners.

The Santorini volcano, mentioned in the myth, is a volcanic island with a complex geological history. Around 1600 BC, the eruption of the volcano was catastrophic, leading to the formation of a giant caldera. This eruption, similar in scale to the 1883 eruption of Krakatau but on a much larger scale, explains the mythological concept of Atlantis sinking 'in a day and a night.'

The Scientific Explanation

The eruption of Santorini was one of the most explosive in recorded history. As the magma chamber beneath the volcano emptied, the whole structure collapsed into the void, forming a caldera. The Santorini volcano was surrounded by sea and situated in a pre-existing caldera. When the volcano collapsed, cold sea water rushed into the still hot magma chamber, causing a massive explosion.

This explosion, estimated to be equivalent to two million Hiroshima-type atomic bombs, produced a series of massive tsunamis that affected the entire Mediterranean region. The ensuing caldera was initially filled with water, submerging any remaining parts of the island below sea level. Thus, the idea of Atlantis sinking beneath the waves is explainable by the scientific understanding of volcanic eruptions and the resulting geological changes.

The Santorini caldera eruption is similar to the 1883 eruption of Krakatau, but much more massive. The Colosseum is now above the sea in relation to the 2004 and 2011 tsunamis in the Mediterranean, causing a similar effect of submerging land after such events.

Conclusion

The myth of Atlantis is not factual but a powerful narrative used by Plato to convey significant philosophical ideas. The idea of Atlantis sinking is a product of the human imagination, sparked by the catastrophic Santorini volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. While the concept of a sunken city may seem mythical, it is rooted in the real history and transformative geological events that shaped the Aegean region. By understanding the scientific processes behind such natural disasters, we can appreciate the mythological significance of Plato's tale and its ongoing fascination in our cultural and philosophical discourse.