'Atlantis' Discovered off Greek Coast....

[debbierlus]

The secrets of a lost city that may have inspired one of the world's most enduring myths – the fable of Atlantis – have been brought to light from beneath the waters off southern Greece.

Explored by an Anglo-Greek team of archaeologists and marine geologists and known as Pavlopetri, the sunken settlement dates back some 5,000 years to the time of Homer's heroes and in terms of size and wealth of detail is unprecedented, experts say.

"There is now no doubt that this is the oldest submerged town in the world," said Dr Jon Henderson, associate professor of underwater archaeology at the University of Nottingham. "It has remains dating from 2800 to 1200 BC, long before the glory days of classical Greece. There are older sunken sites in the world but none can be considered to be planned towns such as this, which is why it is unique."

The site, which straddles 30,000 square meters of ocean floor off the southern Peloponnese, is believed to have been consumed by the sea around 1000 BC. Although discovered by a British oceanographer some 40 years ago, it was only this year that marine archaeologists, aided by digital technology, were able to properly survey the ruins.

More at http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/oct/16/lost-greek-city-atlantis-myth

[Jack Rabbit]

1. Musical Interlude

Please click here.

[frog92969]

2. I thought Homer said it was past the "Gates of Hercules"

Doh!

[Vidar]

3. It was Plato that spoke of Atlantis, but you're right about the Gates of Hercules.

[aquart]

7. If one coastal city went down, expect to find others.

Anything that would put a city permanently under water wouldn't be satisfied with just one.

[jmondine]

4. Atlantis didn't sink. It was moved by the leader of The Others.

[wroberts189]

5. 5K YEARS... that is a very long time ago. thanks ..fascinating. knr

[aquart]

6. "The oldest submerged town" THAT WE YET KNOW OF.

I hate when they proclaim a discovery as "oldest" instead of "oldest known".

This is very very cool, though.

[eShirl]

8. that's what, three dozen Atlantises that have been found now?