1. Atlantis

2. Volcanic eruption during the late Bronze Age 1600 BC Archeological excavations near the city of Akrotiri in southern Thera have revealed Bronze Age ruins of a particularly large and vibrant city, with well-preserved frescos and paintings, together with numerous artifacts. The artifacts indicate that the island of Thera was colonized by the Minoans, a Bronze Age civilization named after the legendary King Minos of Crete.

3. Plato The Greek philosopher Plato (427-347 BC) describes the disappearance of Atlantis, a circular island populated by talented people of high culture and wealth. Plato's account was originally derived from Solon (640-560 BC), the great lawgiver from Athens. Solon was told by Egyptian priests of the disappearance of a great island empire. The story was passed to Plato from his great grandfather who had discussed the story with Solon. All subsequent writings and speculations about Atlantis are rooted in Plato's dialogs.

4. Plato writes: "Now in this island of Atlantis there was a great and wonderful empire which had rule over the whole island and several others, and over parts of the continent... But, there occurred violent earthquakes and floods, and in a single day and night of misfortune... the island of Atlantis...disappeared in the depths of the sea."