Theory Proposes Atlantis Location in Sahara's Richat Structure

A speculative theory suggests the legendary city of Atlantis might have been situated at the Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of the Sahara, in Mauritania. This geological formation features concentric circular ridges spanning approximately 40 kilometers, resembling Plato's 4th century BC description of Atlantis's capital with alternating rings of land and water. Proponents argue that if the depressions were water-filled, the site would match Plato's account from his dialogue Critias. To reconcile the desert location with Plato's island description, theorists propose two explanations: that northwestern Africa was at sea level around 11,000 years ago, making the peaks islands, or that Plato's term 'nesos' referred to a well-watered region rather than an actual island. Additional supporting evidence includes satellite images suggesting ancient tsunamis, salt deposits within the structure, and historical references linking the area to Atlas, the mythical first king of Atlantis. However, significant objections challenge this theory. Critics note that geological comparisons with Antarctica's rising landmass are flawed, salt deposits could originate from rivers rather than oceans, and Plato explicitly described Atlantis as an island in the sea. Historical evidence referencing 'Atlantes' in Herodotus's accounts refers to a people near the Atlas Mountains, not a place, and the connection between Atlas and Africa postdates the Atlantis legend. Furthermore, no archaeological evidence of a major civilization exists at the site, and the timeline doesn't align with known Greek civilizations. Most scholars consider Atlantis an allegory invented by Plato, with the Minoan civilization often cited as a potential inspiration.