I was always so fascinated by the story of a sunken city, I mean, talk about a real-life adventure story! Buried under the waves, building ruins with fish swimming throughout, and buried treasures, sharks hiding in dark forgotten places. My imagination ran with it!
Plato first wrote about Atlantis as a metaphor and cautionary tale about what could happen if a society were to get too carried away with their power. The gods would punish you, and Atlantis was destroyed in one day and one night.
Was it myth or truth? There is a theory that the city of Helike could possibly have been a subject for Plato’s Atlantis myth.
They were a naval power during their time, having sailed and navigated the Mediterranean and colonized to Southern Italy, and Asia Minor. then one night out of nowhere, in 373 BCE an earthquake struck them and the entire island was submerged.
Even centuries later during the Roman Empire, the ruins were visible from the water, and tourists would sail over to see them. Over time, the ruins were covered in silt and the place forgotten.
In the late 20th century, Helike was found once again. Was this the inspiration for Plato and Atlantis? Who can really say, but the myth lives on! He apparently only wrote about Atlantis twice, and for such little mention, that story really took off.
This is a Ravensburger puzzle that I found at the thrift store, 1000 pieces and complete! I really enjoyed reading more about the myth and some possible sources for the inspiration!
thepuzzlesivedone 