An Unexplained Jewel from Space and The Location of Atlantis: 5 Unsolved Ancient Desert Mysteries
125,954
Published 2024-03-27
Located in Mauritania's expansive, wind-swept deserts is a geological wonder so immense that it remained hidden in plain sight for centuries. This is the Richat Structure, better known as the Eye of the Sahara. Its true scale only became apparent when humans ventured into space, and NASA's 1965 Gemini 4 mission captured the first photographs.
Spanning approximately 40 kilometers in diameter, its concentric rings of rock create a hypnotic visual effect, drawing onlookers into a vortex of historical and geological mysteries. Among the most compelling of these is the theory that the Eye of the Sahara could be the location of the lost city of Atlantis.
The legend of Atlantis, first mentioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato around 360 BC, tells of a powerful and advanced civilization that disappeared without a trace after falling out of favor with the gods.
According to Plato, Atlantis was situated beyond the "Pillars of Hercules," the term used in antiquity to refer to the mountainous peaks flanking the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. The description of Atlantis, with its concentric rings of water and land, bears a striking resemblance to the Eye of the Sahara, leading some to speculate that this could be the site of the legendary city.
Supporters of this hypothesis argue that the dimensions and structure align with ancient texts, claiming that the Sahara was once a lush and habitable region that could have supported such a civilization.
However, despite its allure, this theory holds little water among the scientific community. Geological evidence and a lack of tangible archaeological proof have steered experts towards more plausible explanations for the Eye's creation.
Geologists have determined that the Richat Structure is a natural geological dome that has been sculpted over millions of years. Initially formed through volcanic activity, the dome was gradually eroded away by wind and water, revealing the layered sedimentary rock beneath.
This process, known as differential erosion, accounts for the distinctive rings of color and texture that make the Eye so visually compelling. Radiometric dating places the formation of the structure far earlier than any conceivable timeline for Atlantis, with the rocks at its center dating back over 100 million years.
Beyond its geological significance, the area surrounding the Eye of the Sahara does indeed hold evidence of actual human habitation and activity. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed stone tools, pottery, and other artifacts, indicating that the region was once home to thriving communities.
The climate of the Sahara was vastly different thousands of years ago, with more hospitable conditions that supported not only human life but also a variety of flora and fauna.
This green Sahara, or "Sahara pump theory," suggests that the region underwent periodic phases of increased rainfall, transforming the desert into a savanna at various points in prehistory.
Such conditions would have been conducive to establishing and maintaining human settlements. However, they were far too early and primitive to match the impressive descriptions of Atlantis...
All Comments (21)
-
Okay, I’m just gonna say it. I’m kind of tired of hearing modern “experts” continually saying that ancient civilizations didn’t have technology to make the things they had while also saying they have no idea how they made their wonders. Clearly ancient civilizations had technology you aren’t aware of, simple as that.
-
It's amazing to think that, at any given moment, the sands of the Sahara could shift and reveal the broken ruins of a lost city and before anyone can see it, be lost again under the sands.
-
When gold and precious stones aren't fancy enough for your God king: Meteorite glass
-
"this theory holds little water" I see what you did there.
-
Irrigation systems lol the way “experts” will try to just explain things away is ridiculous sometimes… “we need to water these crops what should we do” “well draw a 300 foot monkey of course”
-
I love when I get notifications for your new videos, thank you! 🙏🏼 the desert can be a unforgiving place 🏜️
-
I remember watching the 1970s In Search Of... about the Nazca lines. Fascinating.
-
If Atlantis fell out of favour with the gods… what do they think of society today??
-
Always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing
-
The Richat Structure: Just wanted to mention that the Atlantis theory is a bit different from what you've outlined here. There's no dispute that the original structure is natural. The idea is that around the time given for Atlantis, not only was it fertile, but water levels might have been the right height to create a series of raised ring islands matching the description. There's also a cluster of geological features that matched the story, including a river in a certain orientation that's now gone and the layout of the mountains to the north. Then there are a lot of other little details that line up, such as the location of ground water, and some ancient references that seem to indicate Atlantis as being in Mauritania, as well as etymological coincidences. Proponents then point to signs of a large ocean flooding event caused by tectonic movement (iirc) as sweeping the area clean and then eventually draining away, pointing to geological features, large salt deposits and other things to back that idea up. I don't know how well any of the details hold up, but at least to say the arguments given are a lot more interesting and dare I say fun lol. Bright Insight has a great series of videos on it.
-
Bangin!!! I love being this early!
-
That was pretty awesome thanks.
-
You are my all-time number one most favorite narrator! I love the way you speak
-
Great channel. 👍 The best part of a mystery is solving it.
-
Thank you for posting. We always love your content.
-
I wish they'd use the lidar scanning on the deserts. Id love to see whats hidden under the sands
-
Who knows how many things we don't know about our oceans and not even to mention the universe
-
I would love mysteries of Papua New Guinea and Polynesia! Great video!
-
I can believe you shortened the .. Booop ta da boop ta boop ta boop booopp boop I am outraged 😊
-
Plato's proof of Atlantis? Trust me bro.
