The Eye of the Sahara is a natural geological formation located in the Sahara desert, near the town of Ouadane, in Mauritania. Also known as the Richat Structure, the Eye of the Sahara is a circular feature that spans about 30 miles in diameter, visible from space, and resembles a bull’s eye. The formation has been the subject of many theories and speculations over the years, including links to the legendary city of Atlantis.
Geologists believe that the Eye of the Sahara was formed over 100 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The structure is believed to have been created by the erosion of the underlying rock layers, which created concentric rings of different colors and rock types. The formation has since been exposed by millions of years of erosion, creating the unique and recognizable circular feature.
Could this be the lost city of Atlantis?
Despite the geological explanation for the formation of the Eye of the Sahara, it has been the subject of many myths and legends over the years. One of the most popular theories is that the Eye of the Sahara is linked to the lost city of Atlantis.
According to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis was an advanced civilization that existed more than 9,000 years ago, before it was destroyed by a catastrophic event. Plato’s account describes Atlantis as a powerful and wealthy civilization, with advanced technology and a complex social structure. Atlantis was said to have been located beyond the “Pillars of Hercules,” which is believed to be a reference to the Straits of Gibraltar.
Many people have searched for Atlantis over the years, but no conclusive evidence of its existence has ever been found. However, some researchers believe that the Eye of the Sahara may have been the location of Atlantis.
Proponents of the Atlantis theory point to several similarities between the Eye of the Sahara and the description of Atlantis in Plato’s account. For example, the Eye of the Sahara is located near the Atlantic Ocean, and it is believed that Atlantis was a naval power that controlled the seas. Additionally, the concentric rings of the Eye of the Sahara resemble the rings of water and land described in Plato’s account.
Despite these similarities, there is no concrete evidence to support the theory that the Eye of the Sahara was the location of Atlantis. Most geologists and archaeologists believe that the story of Atlantis is a myth, and that the Eye of the Sahara is a natural formation.
However, the Eye of the Sahara remains an enigmatic and fascinating geological feature, with a rich history and many mysteries waiting to be uncovered. In recent years, the formation has become a popular destination for tourists and adventurers who are interested in exploring the Sahara desert and learning more about this unique natural wonder.
In conclusion, while the Eye of the Sahara has been linked to Atlantis, there is no conclusive evidence to support the theory. The geological explanation for the formation of the Eye of the Sahara remains the most widely accepted explanation, and the structure continues to be a fascinating and mysterious feature in the Sahara desert.