The Krupp family of Germany, enriched by centuries of steel production and armaments manufacturing  are reputed to have spent $100,000 (some say $500,000), in the early years of the 20^th century, funding an expedition to the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso (“thick woods”) in search of Atlantis. Although fully equipped and armed, they were gradually abandoned by their guides, attacked by the local ‘Indians’ and oppressed by the local weather conditions, the adventurers turned back empty-handed.