People are always talking about lost cities. Some think they’re real whereas others think they’re a myth but still people are fascinated by the stories of lost places like Atlantis and El Dorado. Why are we fascinated? Because it makes us dream. It makes us wonder what there is to be found in our past.
What Is Atlantis?
Atlantis is the most famous lost city. In the account, Atlantis had massive buildings, and military forces, and shared great knowledge – but one day Atlantis sunk into the ocean. Where is Atlantis exactly, nobody knows. Some people believe it is near the Mediterranean, and some people think it was somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, but people go out in search of Atlantis today. Some people use maps, sonar equipment, and even satellites to look for it. However, nobody has found any definitive evidence.
Why do people think Atlantis exists?
People think Atlantis exists for different reasons. First, Plato described Atlantis in detail. Second, multiple cultures have stories about flooded areas or lands lost beneath the waves. These stories are sometimes similar to Atlantis. In addition, there are ancient ruins beneath the ocean that have sparked curiosity. Sometimes they find stone pathways, or walls. Are they part of Atlantis? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Either way, people are intrigued.
Read more: UFO Sightings: Truth or Mystery?
El Dorado: The City of Gold
Now let’s shift to El Dorado. This lost city comes from South America. In the past, Spanish explorers reported hearing about a city made of gold hidden deep in the jungle. They said the king of this city covered himself with gold dust and jumped into a lake. The Spanish searched for El Dorado and traveled deep into the Amazon. They fought wild animals, sickness, and hunger, but didn’t give up. Gold and glory were calling their name. They never found it.
What if El Dorado Is Not Real?
El Dorado may not be one city. In fact, it may be an amalgamation of many different legends. Some think it was a tribe. Others think of it as a lake. Others still think of it as a kingdom. Most agree the story expanded over time. Historians argue the story of El Dorado originated from the Muisca people, who lived in what is now Colombia. They had an actual king who covered himself in gold and made an offering into the lake. But there was no city of gold. Just gold rituals and very established traditions.
Lost cities are captivating
People have a fascination with all kinds of adventure. They also have a fascination with lost treasure. Which is one of the reasons these stories appear in books, movies, and video games. These mythical accounts give people hope that there is still undiscovered potential in our world. In addition, people enjoy engaging with the past. Locating a lost city seems like a one way passage to a different world.
New technology has allowed us to explore like never before. We now use drones, satellites, and underwater cameras to see things that were in many places (but of course more from the water) out of sight. In fact, researchers have used laser technology to find and map ancient cities hidden in jungles. Could this mean Atlantis or something similar to El Dorado is out there waiting for us? Perhaps we just need to look in the right place.
Conclusion: Myth or Truth?
So, is there an Atlantis and El Dorado still out there? We will likely never know. However, the stories are something that will remain because they remind us to be curious. They remind us that mystery exists. And finally, whether real or imaginary, it teaches us about wonder, belief and adventure.
Hence, keep your eyes open. Perhaps, we will see the truth rise from the jungle or below the sea someday.
