Off the coast of the Canary Islands, Spanish scientists have stumbled upon ancient, submerged islands they’ve named ‘Los Atlantes’.
These islands, believed to have sunk millions of years ago, could have been the spark for the Atlantis legend. Luis Somoza, a marine geologist, shared with Live Science, “This could be the origin of the Atlantis legend.”
Plato’s Enduring Influence on the Legend of Atlantis
Over two millennia ago, the philosopher Plato introduced the world to Atlantis, an advanced island civilization.
Recent discoveries suggest these islands, found near today’s Canary Islands and long submerged, may have been his muse.
Tracing Atlantis Through Time
The sunken islands existed during the Eocene epoch, which spanned from 56 to 34 million years ago, east of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
This finding lends a tangible geographic link to the legendary Atlantis, placing it within real-world coordinates.
Naming the Lost: ‘Los Atlantes’
Honoring their legendary counterpart, researchers named these submerged islands ‘Los Atlantes.’
This tribute highlights their potential as the real-world inspiration for the enduring Atlantis myth that continues to capture imaginations globally.
Unveiling History with Modern Tools
Researchers used sophisticated technology to study these lost islands.
An unmanned submarine, equipped with advanced imaging and sensors, dived between 100 and 2,500 meters deep to reveal the islands’ secrets, long buried under the sea.
The Islands That Time Forgot
“They were islands in the past and they have sunk, they are still sinking, as the legend of Atlantis tells,” explained Luis Somoza.
He draws a direct line from the myth to these real-world findings.
Peering Into the Deep with Cutting-Edge Tech
The seabed investigation employed the latest in technology, utilizing robotic arms and sensors to analyze gases like CO2 and methane.
This modern approach provided a detailed glimpse into the environmental conditions surrounding the submerged islands.
Life Among Ruins
The regions around Los Atlantes burst with life.
Coral gardens and microbial mats dominate the seabed, showcasing a bustling ecosystem atop the ruins of what could have been Atlantis.
Exploring the Giant Seamount
Los Atlantes are set upon a vast seamount, an underwater mountain home to three dormant volcanoes.
Stretching 50 kilometers across, this seamount is a prominent feature on the oceanic landscape, hinting at the geological forces at play.
Why Did the Islands Sink?
Research indicates that volcanic inactivity and the hardening of lava contributed to the sinking of these islands.
This is a common geological phenomenon that provides clues about the dynamic processes shaping our planet.
Other Lost Lands: A Global Phenomenon
This discovery parallels other instances of submerged lands, like Ravenser Odd, known as ‘Yorkshire’s Atlantis.’
These examples enrich our understanding of how natural forces have historically reshaped coastlines and landforms worldwide.
Reevaluating the Atlantis Narrative
The identification of Los Atlantes offers fresh insights into the Atlantis myth, potentially linking legendary tales to actual historical events.
Ongoing research may further decode the mysteries of Atlantis, blending myth with reality in exciting new ways.
