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Do the Richat's rings match the dimensions Plato gives for Atlantis?

Asked 28 Oct 2026 by ·Part of Is the Richat Structure the place Plato described as Atlantis?·3 answers·0·0 following
Three answers, none aheadNone is ahead yet. See what would settle it.

Where it stands

Three answers have been proposed. None is ahead on the evidence yet. Three are still possible.

Why it matters

The size match is the most specific argument for the identification: Plato's 127 stadia is said to equal the 23.5 km of the Richat's rings⁠[1]. Plato gives the widths of each ring, so the claim can be checked against his text and against the measured structure⁠[2]⁠[3].

Answers 3

Evidence: 2 for
Still possible
Evidence: none yet
Still possible
Evidence: 1 for, 2 against
Still possible

What would settle it

  1. Measure each ring's diameter and width from public elevation data (SRTM or Copernicus DEM), fix the ring to compare before measuring, and test the fit to Plato's 27 and 127 stadia across the range of ancient stadion lengths.

History

  1. Plato: plato's ring widths add to 27 stades, about 5 km; 127 needs the city wall 50 stades beyondFor: No: Plato's rings span about 5 km, and the 127-stadia match depends on leaving out part of a 40–45 km structure
  2. Matton et al.: the structure is at least 40 km across, and NASA gives about 45 kmAgainst: Plato's 127 stadia across the city equal the Richat's 23.5 km
  3. Meado: the structure is at least 40 km across, and NASA gives about 45 kmAgainst: Plato's 127 stadia across the city equal the Richat's 23.5 km
  4. Novella: the structure is at least 40 km across, and NASA gives about 45 kmAgainst: Plato's 127 stadia across the city equal the Richat's 23.5 km
  5. Colavito: the size match holds only by ignoring the outermost ringAgainst: Plato's 127 stadia across the city equal the Richat's 23.5 km
  6. Bright Insight (Jimmy Corsetti): the Richat's main circle measures about 23.5 km on Google Maps, the same as 127 stadiaFor: Plato's 127 stadia across the city equal the Richat's 23.5 km
  7. Sputnik International: the Richat's main circle measures about 23.5 km on Google Maps, the same as 127 stadiaFor: Plato's 127 stadia across the city equal the Richat's 23.5 km
  8. Novella: the Richat's rings are incomplete ridges, not discrete beltsFor: No: Plato's rings span about 5 km, and the 127-stadia match depends on leaving out part of a 40–45 km structure
  9. Session 1: raised the question, proposed three answers and found five results bearing on its answers
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