The Greek writer Plato wrote that Atlantis was an island in the
Atlantic Ocean. The island’s wealthy people designed many great
5 buildings and canals.1 At the center of the island they built a
beautiful golden temple.2 But the Atlanteans became greedy—
they had everything, but they still wanted more. The gods became
angry, and the island was hit by earthquakes3 and great waves.
Finally, the whole of Atlantis sank into the sea.