Map of the Atlantropa Project

Map created by Devilm25 (map), VulcanTrekkie45 (translation)The Atlantropa project was a grandiose and ambitious engineering and geopolitical proposal conceived by the German architect and urban planner Herman Sörgel in the 1920s and developed further until his death in 1952.

The plan aimed to reshape the geography of the Mediterranean basin to create a new continent called “Atlantropa,” effectively linking Europe and Africa both physically and economically.

From the map:

• Gibraltar – Main dam and power station
• Sicily – Second dam to lower the sea level of the eastern Mediterranean
• Sea of Marmara – Hydroelectric dam
• Venice – Connected to the Mediterranean via canal
• Egypt – Extension of the Suez Canal
• Lowering of 100 m in the Western Med.
• Lowering of 200 m in the Eastern Med

What Atlantropa might have looked like as seen from space

Map created by Ittiz

Objectives of the Atlantropa Plan

1. Economic Revitalization: To provide vast amounts of hydroelectric power and new arable land, thereby stimulating economic growth in Europe and Africa.
2. Political Stability: To foster cooperation and unity between European nations and between Europe and Africa, reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.
3. Colonial Expansion: To create new territories for European settlement, addressing overpopulation concerns in Europe at the time.
4. Resource Management: To control the Mediterranean Sea’s water levels for better navigation and to reclaim land for agriculture and development.

Key Components of the Plan

1. Damming the Strait of Gibraltar
   • Massive Hydroelectric Dam: Construct a colossal dam across the Strait of Gibraltar.
   • Lowering Sea Levels: Reduce the Mediterranean Sea level by up to 200 meters (approximately 660 feet).
   • Hydroelectric Power Generation: Utilize the dam to generate an estimated 50,000 megawatts of electricity, supplying power to Europe and Africa.
2. Additional Dams
   • Dardanelles Dam: Build a dam at the Dardanelles Strait to regulate the inflow of water from the Black Sea into the Mediterranean.
   • Sicily-Tunisia Dam: Construct a dam between Sicily and Tunisia to divide the Mediterranean into two basins and further control water levels.
3. Reclaimed Land
   • New Habitable Areas: Expose approximately 576,000 square kilometers (about 222,400 square miles) of new land suitable for agriculture, settlement, and infrastructure.
   • Land Bridges: Create land connections between Europe and Africa, facilitating migration and transportation.
4. Transportation Infrastructure
   • Transcontinental Railways and Roads: Develop extensive transportation networks linking European and African cities.
   • Ports and Canals: Build new ports and canals to accommodate the changed coastline and support maritime activities.

Expected Benefits

1. Economic Growth
   • Job Creation: Massive employment opportunities in construction, agriculture, and industry.
   • Energy Supply: Abundant and cheap hydroelectric power to fuel industrialization.
   • Agricultural Expansion: Increased arable land for food production.
2. Political and Social Impact
   • European Unity: Encourage collaboration among European nations on a common project.
   • Euro-African Integration: Promote economic and cultural ties between the continents.
   • Peace and Stability: Address root causes of conflict like resource scarcity and economic disparity.
3. Technological Advancement
   • Engineering Feats: Push the boundaries of civil engineering and technology.
   • Scientific Research: Stimulate studies in geology, hydrology, and environmental science.

Criticisms and Challenges

1. Environmental Concerns
   • Ecosystem Disruption: Potential devastation of Mediterranean marine life due to changes in salinity and water levels.
   • Climate Impact: Alteration of regional climates and weather patterns.
2. Displacement
   • Human Relocation: Forced movement of populations living along the existing coastlines.
   • Cultural Loss: Destruction of historical sites and communities.
3. Feasibility
   • Engineering Challenges: Doubts about the ability to construct such massive dams with the technology of the time.
   • Financial Constraints: Enormous costs that might outweigh the benefits.
4. Geopolitical Issues
   • Colonial Overtones: Viewed as a means for European powers to extend control over Africa.
   • International Opposition: Potential resistance from non-European nations affected by the project.

Historical Context

• Interwar Period: The plan emerged after World War I, a time when Europe was grappling with economic hardship and seeking grand solutions.
• Technocratic Optimism: Reflects the era’s belief in technology and large-scale engineering projects as means to solve societal problems.
• Political Climate: The rise of nationalism and colonial interests influenced the framing and reception of the project.

Legacy

• Influence on Thought: While never realized, Atlantropa inspired discussions about large-scale environmental engineering.
• Cautionary Tale: Serves as an example of the potential hubris in attempting to drastically alter natural landscapes without fully understanding the consequences.
• Cultural References: The concept has appeared in literature, art, and speculative discussions about geoengineering.

What do you think would this have been a good idea?