Helike (Achaia): Greek city destroyed by earthquake and tsunami in 373 BC

Helike (Achaia): Greek city destroyed by earthquake and tsunami in 373 BC. Helike (Achaia) was an ancient Greek city destroyed in 373 BC A catastrophic earthquake struck the region at night The earthquake caused land subsidence followed immediately by a massive tsunami from the Gulf of Corinth

Helike (Achaia) was a Greek coastal city destroyed in 373 BC when a catastrophic nighttime earthquake caused sudden land subsidence, immediately followed by a massive Gulf of Corinth tsunami. The city submerged and all inhabitants drowned. Strikingly, Plato was alive when this happened — some theorize this real disaster inspired his Atlantis tale.

Key Facts

• Helike (Achaia) was an ancient Greek city destroyed in 373 BC
• A catastrophic earthquake struck the region at night
• The earthquake caused land subsidence followed immediately by a massive tsunami from the Gulf of Corinth
• The tsunami submerged the city and drowned all inhabitants
• Plato was alive when this event occurred
• Helike (Achaia) may have inspired Plato's Atlantis narrative

Related site: Helike (Achaia) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Exploring the Americas with @LukeCaverns @W by Wandering Wolf