In search of the mythical Atlantis. Destination: Sahara Desert

Scientists, led by British archaeologist Dr. Carla Sage, are reshaping existing notions of the mythical Atlantis, suggesting that the legendary civilization did not sink into the Atlantic Ocean but lies buried beneath the sands of the Sahara. Dr. Sage argues that Atlantis may have been a North African empire that maintained trading links with the Mycenaeans, Cretans, and Egyptians. An excavation expedition is planned in Algeria to uncover the remains of this lost civilization.

Scientists suspect that the legendary Atlantis was not submerged by the Atlantic Ocean. "It lies beneath the sands of the Sahara," says British archaeologist Dr. Carla Sage.

The discovery was reported by "World Weekly News." Dr. Sage believes Atlantis was a North African empire. "Ancient sources indicate that the Mycenaeans, Cretans, and Egyptians maintained trade relations with Atlantis," he says, adding that Atlantis's location would have allowed for trade with Troy and other important cities in the Mediterranean region.

According to her, Atlantis was swallowed not by the ocean but by shifting sand dunes. She cites stories circulating among the Bedouins that marble columns and the remains of structures would sometimes emerge from the dunes after sandstorms in the mountainous terrain of southern Algeria.

"According to Greek sources, when Atlantis flourished 11,000-12,000 years ago, the Sahara was a fertile land," says Dr. Sage. He adds that rapid climate change contributed to the extinction of the Saharan civilization.

Until recently, Atlantis was believed to be a large island in the Atlantic Ocean. This was contradicted by Alfred Wegener's theory, which in 1912 demonstrated to the scientific world that all the known continents could be put together like a puzzle. According to Dr. Sage, this theory left no room for Atlantis.

She also believes that Plato, the Greek philosopher, when he mentioned the water that destroyed Atlantis in his works, misinterpreted the Egyptian word for "moving water." "It wasn't about waves flowing around the island, but rather about the lack of water in the region," the British archaeologist believes.

In the spring, he plans to organize an expedition and begin excavations in Algeria. Scientists from the United Kingdom, the United States, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia will participate in the expedition.