Atlantis

Atlantis is a legendary island first mentioned in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written about 360 BC. According to Plato, Atlantis was a naval power lying "in front of the Pillars of Hercules" that conquered many parts of western Europe and Africa 9,000 years before the time of Solon, or approximately 9600 BC. After a failed attempt to invade Athens, Atlantis sank into the ocean in a ingle day and night of misfortune". 

Athanasius Kircher's map of atlantis, 1669

The existence of Atlantis was discussed throughout classical antiquity, often being ejected or mocked. Only recently has the story been viewed as possibly being true. The concept of Atlantis has been used to inspire creatives since, such as Thomas More's Utopia and the more contemporary film 'Atlantis: The Lost Empire'. 

Plato was the only writer to mention Atlantis which suggests it was an imagined concept. The legend is more about the Heroic Athens than of a sunken civilisation which has changed as writers have become inspired by the Myth throughout the years. Ken Feder summarises "a technologically sophisticated but morally bankrupt evil empire - Atlantis - attempts world domination by force. The only thing standing in its way is a relatively small group of spiritually pure, morally principled, and incorruptible people- the ancient Athenians."

Whether the city existed or not it is a fantastic source of inspiration for varying narratives. The civilisation can be represented as calm and peaceful living under water, or technologically advanced war heroes trying to conquer Athens.