Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
Genre: History, Archaeology, Ancient Civilizations, Controversial History, Non-Fiction.

Book Review:
Gavin Menzies, the author of the provocative bestseller *1421*, returns with another ambitious and controversial work, ''Lost Empire of Atlantis.'' In this book, he tackles one of history's most enduring legends, arguing that the fabled city of Atlantis was not a myth but a real place with a history that can be uncovered.

Menzies takes the reader on a globe-trotting journey, weaving together evidence from geology, archaeology, and DNA analysis to build his case. His central thesis is that the Minoan civilization of Crete and Santorini was far more advanced and widespread than previously thought, and that it was this civilization that formed the basis for the Atlantis legend. He points to the cataclysmic volcanic eruption on the island of Thera (modern Santorini) around 1500 BC as the event that destroyed this ''lost empire,'' sending tsunamis across the Mediterranean and wiping out Minoan settlements.

The book is a fascinating and fast-paced read, full of intriguing connections and bold hypotheses. Menzies argues that the Minoans were a global sea power whose influence extended to the Americas and beyond. He even claims to have decoded the language of Atlantis. However, like his previous work, this book has been met with significant skepticism from mainstream historians and archaeologists, who criticize his methodology and his leaps of logic.

For the general reader, ''Lost Empire of Atlantis'' is an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of a timeless mystery. It's a book that will appeal to fans of alternative history and those who enjoy a good intellectual adventure. While it should not be read as established fact, it successfully challenges conventional thinking and invites us to look at the ancient world with fresh eyes.