# Do Medieval Maps Validate the Existence of Welsh Atlanda's Lost Islands?
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Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Lost Islands
The narrative of two islands off the Welsh coast, specifically in Cardigan Bay, is deeply rooted in Welsh mythology. Recent investigations have revealed a 650-year-old map that seemingly marks their precise locations. Does this serve as evidence for their existence?
The Gough Map—[Image: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]
Understanding the past, particularly events that transpired hundreds or even thousands of years ago, relies on an array of sources. These can range from ancient texts and archaeological findings to human or animal remains, maps, oral traditions, and even mythology. However, historians and archaeologists often tread carefully when it comes to myths, as they typically revolve around deities, supernatural entities, and cultural beliefs. Myths can provide insights into the origins of a nation and its collective memory.
British researchers have undertaken an analysis of a medieval map that claims to depict two lost islands.
The examination of myths is often complemented by the investigation of alternative evidence that may lend credence to their authenticity. Recognizing that there might be a kernel of truth in every tale, British researchers have made an unexpected finding, published in the scientific journal Atlantic Geoscience.
The study revolves around the Gough Map, a medieval artifact named after Richard Gough, who donated it to Oxford University’s Bodleian Library in 1809. While the map illustrates Britain as it was, both its date of creation and its creator remain uncertain. Notably, it portrays Cardigan Bay and indicates two islands that are now absent but are referenced in British folklore and the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod, often referred to as the “Welsh Atlantis.”
Section 1.1: The Legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod
The authors of the recent study, Simon Haslett and Davis Willis, propose that these islands might have indeed existed when an unknown cartographer produced the Gough Map. They theorize that the islands could be remnants of a larger landmass that succumbed to flooding over time, with the story preserved in myth.
Cantre’r Gwaelod, also referred to as Cantref Gwaelod or Cantref y Gwaelod, was said to encompass a fertile region situated between Ramsey and Bardsey islands, along the western coast of Wales. The legend attributes the sinking of this kingdom to a man named Seithenyn, who was responsible for managing the water locks during the reign of Gwyddno Garanhir. A failure in his duties led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in the kingdom's demise. Folklore suggests that the church bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod still echo occasionally.
[Photo by Tom Fisk from Pexels]The researchers studied historical texts regarding Cantre’r Gwaelod
To investigate the potential existence of “Welsh Atlantis,” the study's authors analyzed various ancient texts. They examined Ptolemy’s “Geography,” a compilation of geographic and cartographic knowledge from the Roman Empire, which provided land coordinates aligning with the suspected location of Cantre’r Gwaelod. Ptolemy, who lived from 100 to 168 AD, indicated that the coastline of modern Cardigan Bay extended much further west than it does today.
“Ptolemy’s coordinates suggest that the mouth of the Ystwyth River was much farther west than its current location. If accurate, this implies that the river flowed through land that no longer exists,” remarked Prof. Haslett in a conversation with Live Science. The researchers advocate for the notion that significant erosion has altered the landscape over the centuries and continues to do so.
Section 1.2: Skepticism in the Scientific Community
Despite the intriguing findings, some scientists express skepticism regarding this research. They reference writings by the sixth-century British monk Gildas, who detailed how the treacherous sea trapped inhabitants while barbarian forces threatened their existence.
“Death is upon us and gives us a choice of two ways. Either we drown or die at the hands of the invaders,” Gildas lamented.
Multiple independent sources recount possible causes for the mythical land's submergence. Nonetheless, the research remains in preliminary stages, and the scholars are hopeful for further evidence to substantiate both their erosion theory and the Cantre’r Gwaelod legend.
However, skepticism persists within parts of the scientific community, as some researchers argue that the Gough Map is flawed and contains inaccuracies, making it unsuitable for assessing the existence of these mythical islands.
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