Who were the people of Atlantis?
The people of Atlantis were described by Plato as an advanced and wealthy civilization. They were said to be descendants of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and a mortal woman named Cleito. The Atlanteans were skilled in engineering, architecture, and naval warfare. They governed cities and created advanced technology.
What happened to Atlantis?
What happened to Atlantis is that it fell because of its people’s greed and arrogance. According to Plato, the Atlanteans became corrupt and power-hungry. As punishment, the gods sent floods, fire, and earthquakes that destroyed the island in a single day and night. The entire civilization was swallowed by the sea, leaving no trace behind.
Where was Atlantis?
Plato said Atlantis was located “beyond the Pillars of Hercules,” which is the modern Strait of Gibraltar. This places it in the Atlantic Ocean, but its exact location is unknown. Over thousands of years, people have suggested many possible locations, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and even Antarctica.
When did Atlantis sink?
Atlantis sank around 9,600 BCE, according to Plato, who claimed the lost civilization existed 9,000 years before his time. Since he lived around 360 BCE, this timeline suggests an ancient and mysterious disappearance. However, no archaeological evidence has been found to confirm this date.
Why is Atlantis the lost city?
Atlantis is the “lost city” because it disappeared without a trace. According to Plato, the island was completely submerged beneath the ocean. No ruins or artifacts have ever been found, making it one of history’s greatest mysteries.
How did Atlantis sink?
Atlantis sank due to violent earthquakes and floods, according to Plato. The island was destroyed in a single day and night, disappearing into the sea. Some scientists believe this could have been inspired by real events, like the volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini.
Origins of the Atlantis Myth
The story of Atlantis comes from Plato’s dialogues with Timaeus and Critias. These writings are the only ancient sources that mention Atlantis. Plato used the story as an allegory to teach moral and political lessons. He wanted to warn people about the dangers of greed, corruption, and hubris.
Plato claimed the story of Atlantis was passed down to him by Egyptian priests. However, no other ancient Greek or Egyptian texts mention Atlantis, leading many to believe Plato invented the story.
Description of Atlantis
Plato described Atlantis as a large island, bigger than Libya and Asia combined. It was located in the Atlantic Ocean, beyond the Strait of Gibraltar. The island was divided into concentric rings of water and land, connected by canals and bridges.
The capital city of Atlantis was a marvel of engineering. It had grand temples, palaces, and statues made of gold, silver, and other precious metals. The Atlanteans were skilled sailors and warriors, with a powerful navy that controlled the seas.
According to Kamran Faqir, author of Atlantis The Lost Empire, the Atlanteans used advanced technology, like sonic levitation, to build their cities. They believed in harmonizing their bodies and minds, which gave them the ability to lift heavy objects with ease.[1]
This is, of course, pure conjecture.
The Downfall of Atlantis
The advanced civilization of Atlantis was a utopia, but its people became greedy and corrupt. They started wars with other nations and sought to conquer the world. This angered the Greek gods, who decided to punish Atlantis.
Plato wrote that the island was destroyed by earthquakes and floods. The entire civilization was swallowed by the sea in a single day and night. This dramatic downfall serves as a warning about the dangers of hubris and moral decay.
Interpretations and Theories
Over the years, many people have tried to explain the story of Atlantis. Some believe it was a real place, while others think it was just a Greek myth. Here are some of the most popular theories:
- A moral allegory: Plato told the didactic story of Atlantis to teach a lesson about the dangers of greed and corruption.
- A real civilization: Some researchers think Atlantis was inspired by real events, such as the destruction of the Minoan civilization on Crete or the volcanic eruption on Santorini.
- A fictional tale: Others believe Atlantis was purely a product of Plato’s imagination, created to illustrate philosophical ideas.
Modern science has also fueled speculation about Atlantis. Oceanographic and geological advances have led some to search for evidence of Atlantis. However, no concrete proof has been found.
Nicholas Tschoegl, a professor of chemical engineering, believes the allure of Atlantis comes from our fascination with the mysterious. He says, “The lure of Atlantis is partly a general fascination with the mysterious and partly a desire on the part of some people to find simple answers to complex problems.”[2]
Atlantis in Popular Culture
The myth of Atlantis has inspired countless works of literature and film. In Matthew Reilly’s 2018 novel The Secret Cities, Atlantis (called “Atlas”) is one of the hidden cities, shrouded in mystery. Charles John Cutcliffe Hyne’s novel The Lost Continent: The Story of Atlantis also explores the idea of Atlantis as a powerful civilization.
The animated series Transformers: Cybertron reimagines Atlantis as an ancient Cybertronian starship floating in the atmosphere, blending sci-fi with myth. The 2018 film Aquaman brought Atlantis to life as an advanced underwater kingdom, with the hero Arthur Curry battling his half-brother, King Orm, to prevent war with the surface world.
Other notable examples include Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. These stories keep the legend alive, reminding us of the mystery and allure of the lost city.
Symbolism of Atlantis
Atlantis is more than just a story—it is a symbol. It represents the dangers of hubris and the fragility of human achievement. The downfall of Atlantis serves as a warning about the consequences of greed and corruption.
The “Ring of Atlantis,” popularized by twentieth-century French esoteric scientist André de Belizal, is believed to carry protective energies. Belizal claimed its design originated from Atlantis, adding to the myth’s mythical appeal. Like the existence of the city itself, though, there is no proof that this ring is from an Egyptian tomb.
Foucrier Chantal, a researcher, believes that advances in science could one day uncover the truth about Atlantis. She says that fields like archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology might bring vanished worlds “out of the shadows and into the realm of reality.”[3]
Wrapping Up the Mystery of Atlantis
The legend of Atlantis continues to fascinate people around the world. Was it a real place or just a story? The answer remains a mystery.
Regardless of the reality of these stories, in today’s world, Atlantis remains relevant. As Earth continues to suffer the ravages of war, greed, and corruption, we’d do well to invoke the myth of this lost civilization, lest we become one ourselves.
References
- Faqir, Kamran. 2019. Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Lulu Direct.
- Tschoegl, Nicholas. 1972. “Atlantis: Cradle of Western Civilization?” Engineering and Science, 35(7):16–21. https://calteches.library.caltech.edu/2927/1/atlantis.pdf.
- Foucrier, Chantal. (2017). “The Myth of Atlantis in the 19th Century: Sciene and Imagination.” Leidschrift, 32 (January: “Sunken and Exalted: Plato’s Atlantis from Classical Myth to Nazi Utopia”), 43–61. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1887/3180872.