10 Mysteriously Lost Islands in World History and Mythology

Aiko Yoshinaga

Mysteriously Lost Islands in World History and Mythology

Explore the mysterious story of the disappearance of 10 legendary islands, from Atlantis to Lyonesse, which are great mysteries in world history and mythology.

Throughout the long history of mankind, various islands have been depicted in legends or on maps that mysteriously disappeared, creating stories that remain unsolved to this day.

Some of these islands appear in mythology, others are recorded on ancient maps, but have simply disappeared without any explainable trace. Did these islands really exist, or were they just part of fictional stories circulating among sailors and explorers?

Let’s dive into ten mysterious lost islands, from the legendary Atlantis to Lyonesse, buried in legend.

1. Atlantis

Atlantis is the most famous island in the history of legend and mythology. Narrated by the Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis was an advanced and prosperous civilization that one day suddenly sank into the sea overnight due to a major natural disaster.

Many theories try to identify the location of Atlantis, from the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, to Antarctica.

Although many believe that Atlantis is just a myth, a number of scientists and researchers argue that this island may have existed, only that it was lost due to an unexpected natural disaster.

Some theories say that Atlantis could be related to the phenomenon of a large tsunami that was able to sink the island in a short time.

2. Bermeja Island

Bermeja Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, precisely between the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and Florida.

For the first time, this island was recorded on a map in 1530, but since the 18th century, its existence has been mysterious. In 2009, scientists searching the area were unable to find the island that had been listed on maps.

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Some theories suggest that the island may have disappeared due to geological shifts or even land subsidence due to oil exploration.

The disappearance of Bermeja Island adds another layer of mystery to the dispute over maritime claims between countries in the region.

3. Sandy Island

Sandy Island is an island that has appeared on nautical charts since the 19th century, located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand. However, when scientists tried to search for this island in 2012, they discovered that Sandy Island was not where it was listed on the map.

After further investigation, scientists concluded that Sandy Island was most likely a mapping error, or even simply a fictional depiction of an inaccurate ancient map.

Although not found, Sandy Island continues to be a topic of discussion in the world of mapping and geography.

4. Pepys Island

Pepys Island was first mentioned on a 1666 map by an English cartographer. The island is said to be located in the Southern Ocean near Australia, but there is no physical or geological evidence to support this claim.

Most scholars consider Pepys Island to be a contemporary mapping error, probably stemming from inaccurate reports from sailors and explorers who were unaware of its true location.

Some argue that Pepys Island is a place that never existed, or is simply a name used for uncharted territory.

5. Buss Island

Buss Island is an island recorded on 17th and 18th century maps, located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island is often mentioned in expedition reports by European sailors, but there is no concrete evidence of its existence.

Researchers argue that Buss Island may never have existed and only appeared due to errors in mapping or the imagination of sailors at that time. Several other theories suggest that the island could have sunk due to volcanic activity or other natural disasters.

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To date, there is no physical or geological evidence to confirm the existence of Buss Island.

6. Estotiland and Drogeo

Estotiland and Drogeo are two islands that appear on 16th century maps. These islands are said to be located near Canada or the northern United States.

However, although many European explorers recorded the names of the two islands, there is no real evidence to support these claims.

Most historians consider Estotiland and Drogeo to be the stuff of legend or errors in mapping, with some believing them to be the stories of unidentified Viking explorers.

Many geographers argue that Estotiland and Drogeo are more part of Viking mythology than real geographical locations.

7. Sarah Ann Island

Sarah Ann Island is an island first recorded in the 1860s and said to be located in the Indian Ocean. Although several maps and reports note its existence, there is no evidence to verify the location or existence of the island.

After a search, scientists failed to find any trace of Sarah Ann Island, and it is now considered lost without a trace.

Sarah Ann Island remains a mystery, as no scientific reports have been able to locate it.

8. Hy-Brasil

Hy-Brasil is an island originating from Celtic mythology and is said to be located off the coast of Ireland. Hy-Brasil was believed to be an island of prosperity that could only be seen once every seven years. However, although some 14th-century maps mention the island by name, there is no physical evidence to support its existence.

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Some researchers have suggested that Hy-Brasil may be a depiction of a sunken island, or even just part of a myth that developed among sailors.

Hy-Brasil has been the inspiration for many folk tales, with some legends saying the island is home to mystical creatures and incredible riches.

9. Antillia

Antillia is an island said to be located in the Atlantic Ocean, first appearing on a 15th century map. This island is described as a land filled with gold and riches. However, no evidence has been found that can prove that Antillia actually existed.

Most historians believe that Antillia was a myth or a figment of the imagination of sailors who tried to depict a rich place on their maps.

Nevertheless, Antillia remains a topic of interest in the world of cartography and historical research.

10. Lyonesse

Lyonesse is an island said to be located near Cornwall, England, and is said to have sunk in one night due to a major natural disaster. This legend has long been a part of English folklore, especially in medieval literature.

Although many believe that Lyonesse is a myth, some researchers believe that the island actually existed, but sank due to climate change or other major natural disasters.

Several archaeological discoveries on the seabed in Cornwall have shown possible human structures, leading to the theory that Lyonesse may have existed.

These lost islands spark deep curiosity and have inspired much research and adventure. Some may have actually existed and were lost due to natural disasters, while others may simply be part of a mythological story or an error in mapping.

Whatever the cause, the mystery of these lost islands lives on and remains an unsolved part of history.

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Aiko Yoshinaga

With years of experience transforming living spaces into serene, functional, and stylish havens, Aiko's work emphasizes creativity and personalization.

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