Horizon Season 2002 Episode 1 Helike - The Real Atlantis

In the first episode of the 2002 season of the popular science programme Horizon, titled "Helike - The Real Atlantis," the show delves into the theories surrounding the mythological lost city of Atlantis. Specifically, the episode focuses on the ancient Greek city of Helike, which many historians and archaeologists believe could have been the inspiration for the Atlantis legend.

The episode begins with a brief history of the Atlantis myth and its significance in ancient Greek culture. The audience is then introduced to the city of Helike, located in the northern Peloponnese region of Greece. Once a bustling city with a population of over 10,000 people, Helike was destroyed by a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 373 BCE. The city was never rebuilt and its location was lost until the 19th century.

In the 20th century, a group of archaeologists began to excavate the site of Helike, hoping to find clues about the city's demise. What they discovered was a wealth of artifacts and evidence of the city's advanced technology and engineering, including a complex water system and a hydraulic heating system for public baths.

The episode then explores the many theories surrounding the possible connection between Helike and the Atlantis myth. Some experts believe that the similarities between the two cities are too great to be coincidence, while others suggest that the Atlantis myth was inspired by the destruction of Helike.

To test these theories, the Horizon team enlists the help of a team of geologists and seismologists to study the seismic activity in the Helike region. Using cutting-edge technology, the team is able to create a computer-generated simulation of the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the city.

The results of the simulation are both fascinating and terrifying. The team discovers that the earthquake that destroyed Helike was one of the largest in history, measuring over 8.5 on the Richter scale. The resulting tsunami was at least 30 metres high, and would have devastated not only Helike but also the surrounding region.

The Horizon team then meets with a group of historians and archaeologists who believe that the destruction of Helike had a profound impact on ancient Greek culture. They argue that the tragedy of Helike was passed down through generations, eventually becoming the legend of Atlantis.

Overall, "Helike - The Real Atlantis" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Horizon that explores the connections between myth and reality. With its stunning visuals and in-depth analysis, the episode is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history or the amazing scientific breakthroughs that are changing our understanding of the past.