The Richat Structure, commonly referred to as the Eye of the Sahara, is a prominent geological formation located in the Sahara Desert of Mauritania. This striking circular feature, which spans approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) in diameter, has garnered significant interest not only for its unique appearance but also for its potential connection to the legendary lost city of Atlantis. The idea that the Richat Structure may be linked to Atlantis has sparked various theories and discussions among researchers, historians, and enthusiasts.
Similarities to Plato’s Description
One of the primary reasons the Richat Structure is associated with Atlantis is its concentric rings. Proponents of this theory argue that these rings bear a resemblance to Plato’s description of Atlantis as a series of circular islands. According to Plato, Atlantis was surrounded by concentric circles of land and water, which some claim aligns with the visible features of the Richat Structure. The diameter of the structure is also noted to be approximately 40 kilometers, which is relatively close to the 23.5 kilometers mentioned by Plato in his dialogues.
Additionally, supporters point out that mountains located to the north of the Richat Structure could correspond to the “mountains” mentioned in Plato’s account. These geographical features are interpreted as further evidence linking the site to the Atlantis legend.
Plato’s dialogues, “Timaeus” and “Critias,” provide the primary accounts of Atlantis. According to these texts, Atlantis was a powerful naval empire situated beyond the Pillars of Hercules (modern-day Strait of Gibraltar). It was described as an island larger than Libya and Asia Minor combined. The civilization was highly advanced, with a series of concentric rings of land and water, which some argue mirrors the structure seen in the Richat formation.
Plato also mentioned that Atlantis was home to a diverse population speaking many languages, suggesting a culturally rich and interconnected society.
The Green Sahara
The Sahara Desert, where the Richat Structure is located, was not always the arid landscape it is today. Research indicates that the Sahara experienced periodic humid phases known as African Humid Periods. During these times, the region was lush and green, with abundant rivers and lakes supporting diverse ecosystems. This greening occurred due to changes in Earth’s orbit, which affected monsoon patterns and increased rainfall.
These humid periods could have supported advanced civilizations like Atlantis, providing fertile ground for agriculture and settlement. The presence of ancient watercourses in the Sahara suggests that large bodies of water once existed, potentially aligning with Plato’s descriptions of waterways in Atlantis.
Geographical Features
The Richat Structure is situated in a region that once experienced significant water flow, with ancient rivers and lakes believed to have existed during previous geological periods. Some theorists suggest that these waterways could represent remnants of the canal systems described by Plato. The presence of these ancient watercourses has led to speculation about how they might have supported a civilization similar to that of Atlantis.
Furthermore, some proponents argue that the structure’s current elevated position may be attributed to gradual geological changes over millennia. This perspective posits that what we see today could be a remnant of a much older landscape that once bore more resemblance to Plato’s description.
Geological studies have revealed evidence of significant water activity in the Sahara region. Large-scale erosion patterns and sediment deposits indicate past flooding events that could correspond to catastrophic events described by Plato. Some researchers propose that these could be remnants of a great flood or other natural disasters that might have contributed to the downfall of civilizations like Atlantis.
Randall Carlson’s Flood Evidence in North Africa
Randall Carlson, a geological researcher, has presented compelling evidence for massive flooding events in North Africa, particularly around the Richat Structure. Using Google Earth imagery, Carlson has identified several geological features that he believes are indicative of mega-scale floods:
- Current ripples: Large-scale undulations in the landscape that resemble ripples formed by water flow.
- Chevron-shaped sand dunes: Distinctive V-shaped formations that Carlson argues are consistent with flood-induced patterns.
- Lineations: Long, straight features in the terrain that could have been carved by powerful water currents.
- Erosional patterns: Widespread evidence of intense water erosion across vast areas of the Sahara.
Carlson draws parallels between these features and those found in the Channeled Scablands of Eastern Washington, which are widely accepted as the result of catastrophic Ice Age floods. He hypothesizes that the Sahara experienced a “mega-scale pluvial event,” possibly occurring around 11,600 years ago at the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary.
The researcher suggests that these flood features could be the result of intense, prolonged rainfall lasting for days or even weeks. Carlson speculates that such an event might have been triggered by an oceanic impact, which could have vaporized enormous quantities of water, leading to torrential rains over North Africa.
Carlson’s observations extend beyond the Sahara, noting similar flood-like features in Saudi Arabia, India, and potentially Australia. These findings contribute to a broader hypothesis of widespread catastrophic flooding events occurring near the end of the last Ice Age.
Archaeological Findings
The archaeological significance of the area surrounding the Richat Structure adds another layer to its mystique. Numerous Acheulean artifacts have been discovered in and around this region, indicating early human presence long before any proposed timeline for Atlantis. These stone tools are associated with early hominins and provide evidence of human activity in the area.
In addition to stone tools, some researchers have claimed to find ship-related artifacts such as anchors and oars near the structure. However, these claims remain controversial, with disputes regarding their dating and authenticity. Critics argue that such findings do not provide sufficient evidence for an advanced maritime civilization like Atlantis.
Alternative Interpretations
Some theorists also draw connections between the Richat Structure and King Atlas of Mauritania, suggesting that this link could further support claims about Atlantis. According to this interpretation, Atlas was said to be a ruler of Atlantis, and thus the Richat Structure could be viewed as a geographic representation related to this legendary figure.
