For centuries, the mysterious Atlantis has intrigued people across the globe with its imperceptible existence and purported influence. While a few assert that the narrative of Atlantis is Plato’s imaginative fabrication, others contend that this location and its inhabitants were, in fact, real. This piece investigates the myth of Atlantis, delving into Plato’s narrations, the suppositions regarding its whereabouts, and the conjectures for its obliteration.
The Legend: Plato’s Description
The philosopher Plato believed in a grand island, Atlantis, encircled by a vast sea. The place was marked by its honest and fearless soldiers who savored victory in numerous battles and conquered unseen lands. Plato, in his scriptures, has elaborated upon the geography, society, and subsequent decline of this legendary race, reviving its enigmatic nature.
Conquering Athens and Its Destruction
Plato’s accounts imply that the once prosperous civilization of Atlantis was laid to waste and engulfed by the depths of the ocean due to their overpowering of Athens. Despite the plethora of theories, the exact reasoning behind this catastrophe remains an enigma among both fervent advocates and scholars alike. While one faction speculates that natural catastrophes were responsible, others contend that divine intervention was at play or that the fierce conflicts within their society hastened their downfall.
Plato’s Account of Atlantis in “Timaeus”
Plato’s “Timaeus” offers a detailed representation of Atlantis, painting it as a thriving nation in the far-reaching waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Plato recounts that the people of Atlantis were a powerful force, with their army conquering new territories in both Europe and Asia. This portrayal of Atlantis emphasizes the might and ambition of the civilization, showcasing its ability to dominate and expand its reach.
The Size and Significance of Atlantis
As per Plato’s vivid narration, the enormity of Atlantis is nothing less than astonishing; he claims that the island was more significant than the combined expanse of Asia and Libya. Its advantageous location allowed it to connect easily to other lands, making Atlantis a crucial hub for trade and exploration for sea travelers. Arguably, it was the gateway to other islands.
Moreover, what made Atlantis truly stand out from other civilizations was its wealth of resources. The island was brimming with precious metals like gold, silver, and the mysterious orichalcum. The value of this enigmatic metal has piqued the curiosity of many ancient historians. Thanks to this natural bounty, the Atlanteans had the money to construct sprawling metropolises and monuments to demonstrate their sophisticated skills and cutting-edge technology.
A Powerful King and Army
According to Plato’s retelling, Atlantis thrived under the leadership of a powerful monarch and his formidable army. This leader held immense sway over Atlantis and the surrounding islands, forging an expansive empire spanned the Atlantic. Moreover, it’s said that this king was directly linked to the divine realm, being a descendant of none other than Poseidon himself – thereby enhancing Atlantis’s mystical aura.
The Atlantean military, meanwhile, was a force to be reckoned with. Composed of expertly-trained soldiers wielding advanced weaponry and utilizing cutting-edge technology, it enabled them to conquer vast swaths of territory and expand their empire’s reach across the ancient world. As a result, their influence was felt far and wide.
Plato’s Account of Atlantis in “Critias”
Plato’s “Critias” offers a more in-depth description of Atlantis. This place is said to surpass the enormity of combined Asia Minor and Libya, paying tribute to the luminosity of Atlas, Poseidon’s firstborn.
Poseidon, Cleito, and the Division of Land
In Critias, Plato delves deeper into his beliefs regarding the divine origins of Atlantis. He firmly asserts that the island’s creation is deeply tied to Poseidon’s love for Cleito, who resided on the landmass herself. The god was pivotal in shaping the terrain, making it a perfect haven for his cherished partner. Interestingly, in an age when the land was often a hotly contested commodity, the gods generously divided the earth among themselves to ensure equal shares for all. And in Poseidon’s case, this yielded Atlantis as his prized domain.
The story goes that Poseidon used his divine powers to create a series of concentric water rings and land around the central island where Cleito lived. This special protection served as a loving embrace, shielding Cleito and their offspring from the outside world, and symbolized the god’s enduring commitment and devotion to the island he created. The geographical design emphasized the divine connection between Poseidon and Atlantis, underscoring their deep emotional bond and divine origin.
The Society and Culture
Once known as a thriving and flourishing society, Atlantis was admired for its advanced culture, political system, and impressive architectural designs. The intellect and artistic abilities of its inhabitants were admired by many, who marveled over their technological advancements and incredible feats of wisdom. The citizenry was divided into various classes of people, with the ruling class consisting of descendants directly related to Poseidon and Cleito.
With an unyielding abundance of resources, Atlantis flourished, and its people enjoyed a high standard of living. Lush and fertile land enabled the cultivation of various crops, fruits, and spices, which ultimately contributed to their wealth and prosperity. Atlanteans also had fine craftsmanship skills, including metallurgy, pottery, and textile production, leaving those in other societies in awe.
Spiritual and religious practices were apparent in every aspect of Atlantean life. They worshipped Poseidon as their primary deity and offered daily sacrifices while performing various rituals in his honor. Temple structures devoted to worshipping their gods were evident throughout the island, highlighting their deep reverence for all things divine.
Relations with Other Civilizations
The Atlanteans were renowned for being astute traders and shrewd negotiators, forging alliances with civilizations across the ancient world. Their cutting-edge technology, vast knowledge, and abundant resources made them highly coveted as trading partners and trusted allies. However, their insatiable thirst for land and power led them to engage in ruthless military campaigns, sowing fear and terror in the hearts of those unfortunate enough to cross their path. The Atlanteans’ ambiguous nature, oscillating between benevolence and malevolence, only enhanced the enigma that captivated the imagination of so many throughout history.
The End of Atlantis: Earthquake, Flood, and Submersion
After an in-depth analysis, Plato’s account of Atlantis touches on its sorrowful conclusion. As per the philosopher, a catastrophic earthquake and ensuing flood led to the island sinking into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. While scholars and enthusiasts still debate the cause of this calamity, some attribute it to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions or tsunamis. In contrast, others believe in divine retribution or self-infliction due to internal strife.
Despite the lack of certainty on what caused the disappearance of Atlantis and its civilization, it remains a part of popular culture. It has been a source of inspiration for many. Over the years, this legendary lost city has fueled countless theories, expeditions, and fictional retellings, captivating the imaginations of generation after generation.
The Search for Atlantis: Theories and Discoveries
Numerous theories have been inspired by the legendary city of Atlantis, ranging from possible locations to the fate of its people. Scholars and explorers have scoured the depths of the Mediterranean, ventured to the Caribbean, and even searched the frigid plains of Antarctica in search of evidence. Despite numerous claims of discovery and extensive research, no definitive proof of Atlantis’ existence has been found.
Our ongoing fascination with Atlantis reflects our inherent curiosity and burning desire to unearth the mysteries of our past. Whether Atlantis was a genuine island or merely an imaginary figment of Plato’s mind, its legend continues to captivate and inspire us today. It serves as a potent reminder of the power of storytelling to ignite our imaginations and kindle our passions for the unknown.
Blessings,
High-Priestess Doris