April 4, 2007—Were ancient Egyptian cities leveled by the massive volcanic eruption that may have inspired the legend of Atlantis?

Egyptian archaeologists Monday announced they had found traces of solidified lava on the Sinai peninsula while excavating an ancient fort. According to Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council for Antiquities, the lava hails from Santorini, whose giant eruption 3,500 years ago destroyed the Minoan civilization on nearby Crete.

See the evidence that may show how Santorini wrought destruction hundreds of miles away, and learn why experts believe the cataclysmic eruption may have helped free Egypt from the grip of foreign invaders.

Get the full story of this discovery.