Atlantis in the Marmara Sea
For centuries, the story of Atlantis — the advanced civilisation lost beneath the sea — has captivated the human imagination. First mentioned by Plato over two millennia ago, Atlantis has often been treated as pure myth. Yet, whispers of its possible reality continue to echo through historical texts, archaeological surveys, and speculative documentaries. One of the more intriguing — and lesser-known — theories suggests that Atlantis may lie not in the Atlantic Ocean, as many have speculated, but beneath the waters of Turkey’s Marmara Sea.
Could it be that Atlantis, or at least a civilisation that inspired its legend, once thrived in this inland sea between Europe and Asia? Could seismic upheavals, ancient floods, and shifting fault lines have swallowed a once-great city, now resting on the sea floor?
In this article, we explore the tantalising evidence, competing theories, and rich maritime history of the Marmara Sea, and examine why some researchers believe it could hold the long-lost secrets of Atlantis.
Plato’s Atlantis: A Brief Revisit
Before diving into the depths of the Marmara Sea, it’s worth revisiting what Plato actually said about Atlantis. In his dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written in the 4th century BCE, Plato describes Atlantis as an advanced island civilisation that existed some 9,000 years before his time. The Atlanteans, though technologically and culturally sophisticated, grew corrupt and were eventually punished by the gods. In a single day and night of misfortune, the island disappeared beneath the ocean.
Although most scholars consider Plato’s account to be allegorical, meant to illustrate philosophical points about power and morality, the persistent fascination with Atlantis suggests that some real-world inspiration may lie at the heart of the story.
That’s where the Marmara Sea enters the conversation.
Why the Marmara Sea?
Located between the Aegean and Black Seas, and nestled between European Thrace and Asiatic Anatolia, the Marmara Sea has long been a crossroads of civilisations. From the ancient Greeks and Persians to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, its shores have been a stage for history. But beneath its calm surface lies a complex geological and archaeological mystery.
Several reasons have led researchers to focus their attention here:
- Seismic Activity and Submersion
The Marmara region lies along the North Anatolian Fault, one of the most active seismic zones in the world. Over millennia, violent earthquakes and tsunamis have caused significant changes in the landscape, potentially leading to the sudden submergence of coastal or island settlements.
In fact, parts of ancient cities such as Heraclea Cybistra and Byzantion (early Constantinople) are believed to lie submerged, suggesting that entire urban areas may have once slipped beneath the sea.
- Ancient Accounts and Cartography
Some early Byzantine maps depict landmasses in the Marmara that no longer exist. Historical records from Greek and Roman sources speak of islands and civilisations that “vanished” or “were swallowed by the sea.”
One of the most cited texts is a 1st-century account by the geographer Strabo, who references earthquakes in the region that destroyed towns “as if the sea had opened up to devour them.”
- Underwater Discoveries
In recent decades, sonar and submersible surveys in the Marmara Sea have revealed man-made structures beneath the silt. In 2000, a joint Turkish–Japanese research expedition discovered what appeared to be rectilinear formations, columns, and paved roads submerged at depths of 15–30 metres off the coast near Silivri and Yalova.
While researchers stop short of declaring these remains “Atlantis,” the formations are undoubtedly human-made and suggest a sunken city or complex, possibly dating back to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age.
The Theory: Atlantis in the Marmara Sea
The theory linking Atlantis to the Marmara Sea is built on both geological and cultural data. Proponents argue that Plato’s references to Atlantis lying “beyond the Pillars of Heracles” (usually taken as the Strait of Gibraltar) could instead be interpreted metaphorically, or misidentified by later readers.
If we consider “beyond” to mean “outside the known Greek world at the time” — and accept that Plato was referencing ancient oral traditions — then the Marmara Sea, with its proximity to the Aegean and rich mythological history, becomes a plausible candidate.
According to this line of thinking:
- Atlantis was not a distant oceanic island, but a powerful maritime city in the Marmara region.
- It had connections to early Anatolian civilisations such as the Hatti, Luwians, or pre-Hellenic peoples, known for their trade, metallurgy, and city-planning.
- A massive earthquake or flood, possibly around 3000–1500 BCE, destroyed this city and plunged it into myth.
Though controversial, this theory has gained momentum among independent scholars, maritime archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike.
Echoes in Turkish Myth and Local Lore
While Plato’s Atlantis is a Greek legend, Turkey’s own folklore contains stories eerily similar to the Atlantis myth. Along the Marmara coast, fishermen speak of “stone cities beneath the sea”, where lights are sometimes seen at night or where nets catch on strange angular objects.
In some parts of Avşa Island and Marmara Island, older residents recall tales passed down from grandparents about “a sunken kingdom with golden towers,” destroyed by divine wrath. While such stories are anecdotal, they align with recurring global themes of cataclysm, hubris, and submerged glory.
In nearby Çınarcık, residents often mention mysterious tremors and rumblings from beneath the water, linking them to the “giants of the deep” — perhaps a cultural memory of ancient seismic events that led to city collapses.
Scientific Scepticism and Ongoing Exploration
Mainstream academia remains cautious about linking Atlantis directly to the Marmara Sea. Most scholars argue that the evidence for a sunken city does not match Plato’s description in scale or detail. Moreover, the date discrepancy — Plato situates Atlantis over 9,000 years before his time — doesn’t align neatly with known urban development in the region.
However, that hasn’t stopped explorations. Turkish universities, along with international partners, continue to map and investigate the sea floor. In 2023, a new expedition using multi-beam sonar and underwater drones mapped a structure near Erdek, showing symmetrical walls and a possible central courtyard — evidence of an organised settlement lost to the sea.
Although researchers stop short of calling it Atlantis, they agree it’s a major archaeological site, potentially predating many of Anatolia’s known ancient cities.
The Marmara Sea as a Geological Time Capsule
Whether or not Atlantis lies beneath the Marmara Sea, the region remains one of the richest archaeological frontiers in the Mediterranean. Beneath its waters are remnants of Bronze Age cities, Roman villas, Byzantine ports, and possibly even older, undocumented civilisations.
For marine archaeologists, it’s a time capsule, sealed beneath layers of sediment and tectonic activity, waiting to be explored with the latest technology.
For those enchanted by myth, it remains a place where legend and science converge, and where questions about humanity’s forgotten past still linger in the tides.
How to Visit the Marmara Sea’s Mysterious Depths
While diving to the submerged sites themselves requires special permits and expertise, you can still explore the surface beauty and lore of the Marmara Sea. The best base for exploration is Istanbul, particularly the Asian-side districts like Pendik or Kartal, where boat tours can be arranged.
From there, head to Yalova or Silivri, both of which are coastal towns near suspected underwater sites. You’ll find small museums, local guides offering myth-based tours, and scenic spots perfect for contemplation and photography.
Ferries also connect Istanbul with Marmara Island and Avşa Island, both of which have stories linked to sunken cities and ancient civilisations. These islands offer beautiful beaches, vineyards, and opportunities to hear local legends firsthand.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the seas are calm. Even without diving beneath the waves, the Marmara Sea offers a mysterious charm that speaks to the soul.
Exploring Alexander's Footsteps in Turkey
To this day, visitors come from across the globe to explore Turkey’s Hellenistic heritage. From the ruins of Ephesus to the windswept acropolis of Pergamon, the echo of Alexander’s footsteps is never far away. Though his tomb remains lost, the land continues to whisper fragments of his story to those willing to listen.
For those wishing to connect with Alexander’s legacy in Turkey, a visit to the Belevi tomb near Selçuk offers a compelling starting point. The site is quiet, nestled among the hills, yet it holds a mysterious allure. Nearby, the ancient city of Ephesus provides a stunning glimpse into the classical world Alexander once knew. The city of Izmir (ancient Smyrna) serves as a convenient hub, offering transport links, accommodation, and access to numerous archaeological sites. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum, with its remarkable collection of Hellenistic artefacts including the Alexander Sarcophagus, is another must-see for history enthusiasts.
Travelling through these ancient lands offers not just a historical journey, but a chance to engage with one of history’s most enduring enigmas. While the final resting place of Alexander the Great remains unknown, Turkey’s landscapes continue to guard the secrets of the past—waiting, perhaps, for the right hands to uncover them.