Part 5/8:
Further investigation and analysis of ancient writings led Katsonopoulou to consider geological factors potentially at play. The ancient texts hinted at a pre-catastrophe animal exodus—a phenomenon reported in modern times before significant seismic events—prompting a hypothesis that something cataclysmic was imminent.
Geologist Ian Stewart lent credence to this theory by linking the seismic activity in the region, suggesting that the liquefaction of soil during a massive earthquake could have played a pivotal role when Helike disappeared. It is believed that as the ground shook, water rushed up from below, resulting in catastrophic flooding.