The Search for Atlantis

Ancient History revisited

Plato’s Atlantis was the precursor to his epic and quantifiable exposition The Republic, a discourse on the ideal society. How government should run, the election of public servants, the laws and the behaviour of its citizens—men. Women were mentioned but weren’t considered as major players in workings of the social order. So was Plato writing about a civilisation that once existed or did he make it all up to create a moralistic story? It is this driving quest that has stirred the imaginations of storytellers and historians for hundreds of years. Was Atlantis a real place?

I have watched many documentaries by reputable production houses that follow historians as they try to unravel the text by Plato; the exciting and innovative field of underwater archaeology that use ROVs to aid their search; and various commenters discussing the possible location of Atlantis. Some documentaries highlight plausible arguments for and against the Atlantis legend. The name Atlantis was given by Plato but I would surmise the real designation was changed by him as he was marrying fact with a developing hypothesise.

One of the more recent documentaries Atlantis: The Evidence, produced by BBC Timewatch team and features historian Bettany Hughes, presents strong case for Santorini being Atlantis. She carries with her Plato’s works of Timaeas and Critas and links a number of sections to the physical evidence on the island. She goes to the site of Akrotiri, the city buried during the catastophic volcanic eruption, the effects felt as far as Egypt. The famous frieze discovered there clearly displays the concentric circles, the bridges linking the lands, the ships—sea faring and ocean vessels, which Plato described. It is easy to imagine Santorini is Atlantis. The proof Hughes presents is compelling and has merit.

Another documentary on Atlantis and part of the Lost Worlds series discusses the links between the Minoan culture and the legendary city. The computer rendering of Knossos is brilliant and so is the recreation of Akrotiri. In his dialogues, Plato mentions hot and cold running water. There is evidence the palace of Knossos did have access to hot and cold water, plus sewerage pipes, pipes for fresh water, baths and toilets! This was also shown in the ruins of Akrotiri.

Finding Atlantis, explores Southern Spain, a strong contender for the location of Atlantis. Plato advocates the land lies beyond the Pillars of Herakles and is as big as Libya and Asia put together. See Elusive Location of Atlantis Part 1 and Part 2 for further details. The geography of the land as it stands today is not the same as was 1600BCE and what is left are the Azores Islands and smaller isles.

Other documentaries you may be interested in:
Atlantis Uncovered

Lost city of Atlantis

There is more but these are ones I’ve believe are worth watching.

Plato mentions the sophistication of Atlantis not only the buildings but the people as well. From what little we do know, the Minoans were an advanced culture and if Thira hadn’t been destroyed, the western world as we know it, would be very different.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my series on the myth of Atlantis. As always, your comments are welcomed.

Historical fiction fantasist Luciana Cavallaro, a secondary teacher, meanders from contemporary life to the realms of mythology. Subscribe to her FREE short story.

References:
Earth History: The Last Ice Age.

Accursed Women
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22 comments

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  1. sophiaschildren

    Thank you for sharing these perspectives and recommended documentaries about the ancient civilization of Atlantis. I’ve seen the one by Bettany Hughes — really good (as are her others) — but don’t think I’ve seen the others. I look forward to it. I suppose another possibility could be that Plato was knitting together one story from several ‘golden era’ previous civilizations. It certainly has held the imagination, though, which suggests to me that it’s real … tucked away in the ‘race memory’! I enjoy reading about it – thank you again for the wonderful posts! ~ Jamie

    Liked by 1 person

    • cav12

      Hi Jamie,
      Thank you for sharing your comment. I also think Plato brought together a number of stories to write about Atlantis. The ‘race memory’ is very apt as it now has come to light that Homer compiled his story from a number of various incidents, so why not Plato?
      Thank you!
      Luciana

      Like

  2. Aquileana

    Excellent mythological (and historic) delivery cara Luciana …
    After reading your post I’d say I pretty much agree with Bettany Hughes… Based on excerpts of Plato’s works of “Timaeus” and “Critias”, I ‘d also link Santorini to Atlantis… Furthermore if we keep in mind the physical evidence on the island.
    Akrotiri might be also a possible location… The frieze discovered there “displaying the classic concentric circles of Atlantis, which Plato described in his previously mentioned well known dialogues are good points to second this hypothesis as well!. (*) I’ll make sure to check out in depth the documentaries!. Outstanding post amica. Abbraccio!. Aquileana 😀

    (*)

    https://aquileana.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/platos_atlantis.jpg?w=669&h=536

    Liked by 1 person

    • cav12

      Ciao Aquileana

      You captured it in one! In my next post I’m linking various elements of Plato’s Critias to the features of Santorini.
      Mille grazie
      Abraccio
      Luciana 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    • cav12

      Ciao Aquileana
      I happen to also agree with Bettany Hughes, she does present a very compelling argument that Santorini is the lost continent “Atlantis”. The descriptions and details are too alike to ignore.

      The frieze is incredible and does show the geography of the island pre-eruption.

      Mille grazie for reblogging my post 😀
      Have a great weekend.
      Abraccio
      Luciana

      Like

  4. Linnea Tanner

    Reblogged this on Apollo's Raven and commented:
    Check Out Another Fascinating Post on the Series for the The Search for Atlantis by Luciana Cavallaro
    JANUARY 30, 2015 / CAV12
    Plato’s Atlantis was the precursor to his epic and quantifiable exposition The Republic, a discourse on the ideal society. e laws and the behaviour of its citizens—men. Was Plato writing about a civilisation that once existed or did he make it all up to create a moralistic story? It is this driving quest that has stirred the imaginations of storytellers and historians for hundreds of years. Was Atlantis a real place?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Linnea Tanner

    Dear Luciana,

    Thank you for continuing to share the possible location of Atlantis. As with any great mythology, it is only a matter of time that we will hopefully find the archaeological ruins where Atlantis was located and piece together its true impact on civilization. It just seems more than coincidence that there were several great structures built throughout Europe and Britain between 3000 – 1500 BCE. There had to be a strong cultural influence from a central point. Atlantis certainly captures the imagination of all those who love mythology.

    Regards,
    Linnea

    Liked by 1 person

    • cav12

      Dear Linnea

      Sorry about the late reply.
      So glad you are enjoying the series. It has been fun writing it too. I thought I knew a lot about the Atlantis myth but am learning new information as well.
      It does seem a bit of a coincidence with the timing of structures built & the exploration of Atlantis. There has to be some connections though archaeological evidence is needed to support these findings.
      regards
      Luciana 😀

      Like

  7. rosarymcquestion

    Bella,

    I enjoyed this post immensely—very insightful commentary, excellent perspective, and interesting documentaries. The question is if Timaeus and Critias was meant to be used for the sole purpose of expounding a theory about morality, then why such elaborate detail and why go to so much trouble to get the details correct?

    If we didn’t have tangible proof of the pyramids (or any of the other mysterious marvels around the world), people would likely not believe one man’s story of an ancient civilization living thousands of years ago that could create structures that boggles the mind of 21st century scientists and engineers. Yet, it’s true.

    I agree with Linnea that it is only a matter of time before proof Atlantis is found.

    Amore
    Rosary

    Liked by 1 person

    • cav12

      Grazie Bella 😀

      I totally agree with you about the detail of his dialogues. It’s explicit and intricate which leads me to believe the story was based on actual events, perhaps that have happened over time, fragmented bits he’s pieced together.

      I think we do have evidence of the Atlantean civilisation, the experts need to take a closer look.

      Tante grazie Bella
      abraccio e amore
      Luciana 😀

      Like

  9. Rajagopal

    Thanks for the wealth of details garnered in your latest post, Luc…together with documentaries, it was virtual reading and viewing of fascinating research on a lost civilisation. Like systematic archaeological findings of the last century that led to conclusively establishing Indus Valley civilisation, the day, surely, is not too distant when the mystery of Atlantis would stand resolved in all its glory…best wishes… Raj

    Like

    • cav12

      Hi Raj

      It would be a magnificent find of the world’s history if they do identify Atlantis. I think it will help solve many questions and perhaps people will ask new ones.
      A new mythology will be created 😀
      Thank you for your wonderful comment.
      Luciana

      Like

  10. Christy Birmingham

    I like learning about the Atlantis myths when I come here. I am now leaning toward Southern Spain as the location but who knows… and I will have to check out those documentaries when I have more time as they will fascinate me, I just know it! Thank you for another quality, educational post 🙂

    Like

    • cav12

      Thank you so much Christy.
      Each time I think I have the answer, new evidence is revealed. Southern Spain is a very hot contender for Atlantis though I am still in favour of Santorini. It seems more likely the origin of Plato’s story and melding of oral history.
      Thank you for your lovely compliment. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

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