The Strait of Gibraltar is very much a part of the current search for Atlantis. Primarily, it is contended that the region itself was the location of Atlantis. This is based on Plato’s statement that Eumelos, also known as Gadeirus, the twin brother of Atlas the first king of Atlantis gave his name to Gades, known today as Cadiz. Andalusia in Southern Spain has been the focus of attention for over a hundred years. In recent years Georgeos Diaz-Montexano and his rival Jacques Colina- Girard have been investigating the waters of the Strait itself while south of the Strait Jonas Bergman has advanced his theory that Atlantis was located just across the Strait in Morocco.
Although there is general acceptance that the Pillars of Heracles, referred to by Plato, are located in the area of Strait of Gibraltar, it must be pointed out that there are other candidates with an equally valid claim.
Strato, the philosopher, quoted by Strabo, spoke of a dam separating the Atlantic and the Mediterranean being breached by a cataclysm. This idea was reinforced by comment of Seneca.
A more radical theory is that of Paulino Zamarro who contends that the Strait was in fact closed by a landbridge during the last Ice Age because of the lower sea levels and silting. When the waters rose and breached the landbridge, he believes that, the flood submerged Atlantis, which he situates in the Aegean. Others support Zamarro’s idea of a Gibraltar Dam amongst whom are Constantin Benetatos and Joseph S. Ellul.
A German website(a) presents the following data, apparently recording the dramatic widening of the Strait of Gibraltar between 400 BC and 400 AD.
Damastes, circa 400 BC. – about 1.3 km
Pseudo-Skylax, probably fourth Century BC – about 1.3 km
Titus Livius (Livy) 59 BC- 17 AD – 10.5 km
Strabo 63 BC- 24 AD – from 9.5 to 13.0 km
Pomponius Mela , 50 AD – about the 15.0 km
Pliny the Elder , 50 AD – about 15.0 km
Victor Vicensa, 400 AD – about 18 km
(a) http://de.academic.ru/dic.nsf/dewiki/1337738
Strait of Gibraltar looking east - Spain on left
