The Lost Empire of Atlantis: History's Greatest Mystery Revealed

Updated with important new findings!

In 1500 B.C. a supervolcano beneath the Greek island of Santorini exploded in a near-apocalyptic eruption. Buried beneath the rubble and waves was the world's most remarkable lost civilization. . . .

For three millennia, the legend of Atlantis has gripped the imaginations of explorers, philosophers, occultists, treasure hunters, historians, and archaeologists. Renowned New York Times bestselling historian Gavin Menzies presents newly uncovered evidence revealing, conclusively, that "the lost city of Atlantis" was none other than the real-life Minoan civilization, a highly advanced global empire that reached the shores of America before being violently wiped from the earth.

Meticulously analyzing exciting new geologic research, recently unearthed archaeological artifacts, and cutting-edge DNA evidence, Menzies constructs a vivid portrait of this legendary civilization. As riveting as an Indiana Jones adventure, The Lost Empire of Atlantis is a revolutionary work of popular history that will forever change our understanding of the past.

"A distinguished historian." BBC World Service

"A historical detective, as well as a scholar, [who] adds to our knowledge of the world, past and present." New York Daily News

"I want to congratulate Gavin Menzies on a remarkable job of research....A convincing case for the origin of the Atlantis myth....I recommend The Lost Empire of Atlantis." Betty Meggers, Director of the Latin American Archaeology Program at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History

"Menzies [is] propounding one of the most revolutionary ideas in the history of history." New York Times Magazine

"Astounding...Menzies should get the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes for his work. Walk along the pathways of discovery with him. It is a joyous jaunt." San Bernadino Sun

“Tremendous. This guy has done history like you would not believe.” — Glenn Beck

The secrets of history’s most enduring mystery are finally revealed in The Lost Empire of Atlantis. Through impeccable research and intelligent speculation, Gavin Menzies, the New York Times bestselling author of 1421, uncovers the truth behind the mysterious “lost” city of Atlantis — making the startling claim that the “Atlanteans” discovered America 4,000 years ago and ruled a vast Mediterranean empire that was violently destroyed in 1,500 BC. Forget everything you’ve ever thought about the Atlantis legend — Gavin Menzies will make you a believer!

Gavin Menzies is the globally bestselling author of 1421: The Year China Discovered America and 1434: The Year China Ignited the Renaissance. His ideas have been profiled in the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, and Wall Street Journal, and he has lectured at the Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.), Royal Geographical Society (London), National Maritime Museum (London), and Great Hall of the People (Beijing). He served in the Royal Navy for nearly two decades, becoming a submarine captain. His knowledge of seafaring and navigation sparked his interest in the epic voyages of Chinese admiral Zheng He, which he described in 1421 and 1434. Menzies lives in London, England.