Scientists believe they have located the legendary island of Atlantis – first mentioned by Plato in around 360BC – some 1,500 km from the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Scientists from Brazil and Japan have found evidences of a continent that disappeared after Africa and South America separated 100 million years ago.

The discovery of granite, a rock formed on dry land, was announced by the Geology Service of Brazil (CPRM) as a sign of a lost continent, The Telegraph daily reported.

The material was reportedly found more than 8,000 feet beneath the sea in a region known as the Rio Grande Elevation.

It was discovered last year when geologists dredged the seabed. Underwater observations from Japan’s manned mini-sub Shinkai 6500 yielded more reports of granite formations last month.