The legend of Atlantis has been around for over twenty-four hundred years and people still talk and write about it, including me. There are countless books, both fiction and non-fiction not to mention the documentaries. People are fascinated by the enigma of Atlantis, the achievements of the people and the “utopian” imagery it produced. There are a number of well-known people who wrote about Atlantis and were quite influential in garnering support for their theories. I will be focussing on a few of the more notable individuals whose works created wide-world interest and had an effect on powerful leaders.
Wikipedia
The first person I must introduce is Ignatius Donnelly author of Atlantis: The Antediluvian World published in 1882. Donnelly was a US congressman who believed Plato’s account of Atlantis and attempted to explain how all ancient civilisations were descended from the lost continent. He tried to prove how similar the civilisations were from the building of temples to the use of pictograms. He even postulated how man moved from the roaming nomad and barbarism to living in a civilised state.
Today it makes for fiction reading but when it was first published it was the biggest selling book. People were enthralled by what he wrote and the idea of how civilisation stemmed from one source. Of course we know that is not the case but in the 19th century it was revolutionary thinking. Perhaps Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection was one they weren’t ready to accept. He did write a sequel in 1883, Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel, discussing the destruction of Atlantis.
Donnelly’s books had such impact that the British Prime Minister William Gladstone wanted to fund an expedition to search for the lost continent. However he was unable to convince his cabinet. A German edition of Atlantis was published and propagated a theory of Atlantean cosmology. Hans Horbiger so taken by the Atlantean cosmology he went on to develop a theory of cosmic cycles. This was taken on by Hitler and Heinrich Himmler who took it a step further by establishing the concept of a “German Master Race” and linked it to Atlanteans.
Wikipedia
The next individual was not an author but a psychic. Edgar Cayce was nicknamed the “sleeping prophet” as he answered people’s questions while in a trance. It was during one of his lectures where he gave readings and addressed past lives Cayce asserted the existence of Atlantis. He described the continent of Atlantis which had advanced technology and where “refugees” migrated to ancient Egypt and parts of pre-Columbia America. He explained the political system and how the people of Atlantis were reincarnated and now living in the modern world. In any case, Cayce went on to establish a holistic medical and research centre. His organisation also funds research to investigate probable locations of Atlantis as well as esoteric happenings.
Wikipedia
Helena Blavatsky, a Russian philosopher and occultist, was one of the founders of the Theosophical Society. She defined theosophy as “a fragment of the ancient, once universal, wisdom teaching.” In essence, all religions have a basis from which they evolved from. She was the first to write about Atlantis, Isis Unveiled in 1877. In it she gave details as to where it was, history of the inhabitants, the destruction and how some of the land is still visible today. She had some rather interesting theories such as the Atlanteans being natural mediums, the survivors of Atlantis founded Egypt and built the pyramids and the earth was inhabited by another intelligent species. She died in London at the age of 60 after being declared a fraud in an expose.
There are a lot of parallels between all three hypotheses and each believed all civilisations was stemmed from Atlantean refugees. I have added a list of sources for you to browse.
Thank you for tuning in and reading.
As always, your comments are valued and welcomed.
Historical fiction fantasist Luciana Cavallaro, a secondary teacher, meanders from contemporary life to delve into the realms of mythology. Subscribe to her FREE short story.
Sources:
Atlantis and Lemuria Blavatsky Theosophy Group UK, The Teachings of H.P. Blavatsky & The Masters
Cayce and Atlantis. Was this Atlantis?
Who Was Edgar Cayce?: Twentieth Century Psychic and Medical Clairvoyant Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment
Accursed Women
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Luciana Cavallaro 
[…] Wild Theories and Mysticisms […]
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Reblogged this on Apollo's Raven and commented:
Fascinating Post from ETERNAL ATLANTIS Wild Theories and Mysticisms by Luciana Cavallaro
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Bella,
Wonderful article!
It’s amazing how Atlantis has inspired literature throughout the ages and into today’s world, from science fiction to comic books, games and movies, its name having become an embodiment for advanced, lost civilizations. The mystery of Atlantis will never die.
Shared your wonderful article on my author Facebook page: Author Rosary McQuestion
🙂
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Grazie Bella 😀
There were others I wanted to mention but thought I’d stick to the main 3 characters who incited lots of interest and speculation. There are very colourful individuals out there running on the Atlantis train ;D
Grazie Mille for the share!
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Absolutely interesting, cara Luciana!… I truly enjoyed this reading and was particularly caught by Ignatius Donnelly’s ideas as regard to his attempts to prove that all ancient civilisations were descended from the lost continent of Atlantis. I am just wondering if he was republican or democrat! 🙂
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
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Thank you Aquileana 😀
I think his theory all ancient civilisations were descended from Atlantis is interesting but does lack evidence. Having said that, I did watch a BBC documentary on civilisations and where people migrated from Africa across the various continents when the land was still one!
Food for thought ;D
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The part about the British PM wanting to fund an expedition to find the lost continent made me smile 🙂 I had no idea that Ignatius Donnelly’s book had such an impact when it first released! Very informative post!
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I know, it made me smile too. Love reading and learning about unexpected information ;D
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Hi Luciana,
It is fascinating how the lost civilization of Atlantis has spawned so much interest. I’m particularly fascinated that psychic Edgar Cayce actually had visions of this civilization. There is so much overlap in ancient civilizations in the Americas, Europe, and Africa, it doesn’t seem far-fetched that these civilizations may have been refugees” from Atlantis who migrated to ancient Egypt and parts of pre-Columbia America.
Thank you for sharing your fascinating article on Atlantis.
Best wishes,
Linnea
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Hi Linnea
Edgar Cayce was quite detailed in his visions about Atlantis and the people. He did predict finding something near Bahamas, the Bimini Islands have unusual formations under the water which is alleged to be built by man. Though wind and water erosion also has the same effect.
The “refugees” element is a curious one as we see it happen today. Who’s to know what will happen to current civilisation with the continual flow of refugees and intermarriages!
Thank you
Luciana 😀
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Great post, Luciana! This is such an interesting topic. I did a paper in uni on Madame Blavatsky and Theosophy – very interesting lady with a lot of influence for a time. I’m looking forward to what other mysteries you uncover with this fascinating series! Cheers 🙂
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That would have been interesting to research indeed. Amazing how she started the Theosophy movement and still going today. Each the individuals mentioned had interesting lives and great influence during their time.
Thanks Adam 😀
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Thanks for the sources, and the links, where I found the curious notion that a Greek copyist may have confused the symbol for 100 – a coiled rope, with they symbol for 1000 – a lotus flower. 🙂
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I would surmise there was a great deal of mistranslated words then and now. ;D
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the refugee theory is interesting…question that follows is how many refugees and what was the dispersion like and to what extent ? read with the clairvoyant flashes of edgar cayce and other studies are sure to lead to some definitive conclusions , where from it may become easier to crack the mystery of atlantis . as it is , several parallels exist between greek , roman , celtic , indian , egyptian , chinese and other civilisations ; for example , the multiplicity of gods in indian , greek and roman mythologies is something that would catch any keen observer’s fancy . india talks about over 330 million gods or manifestations of almighty . is there any such estimate in greek mythology ? luc , if you have this info , i like to know…meanwhile i continue to be a fellow voyager in your atlantis…wishing you happy hols and all the best for 2015… Raj .
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It does raise an interesting question as to whether any Altantean managed to escape and where they went. It also goes back to flood stories, ancient civilisations east and west, have spoken and written about it. Where did the people go? I am certain thousands were killed but there had to be survivors or how did the story prevail?
It generates more questions than answers which will continue for a long time to come.
As to the number of Greek gods, there were major and minor ones, though they do not come close the millions India has.
Thank you Raj for a wonder read 😀
Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2015.
Cheers
Luciana
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