Legends Summarized: Atlantis
Overly Sarcastic Productions・15 minutes read
The concept of Atlantis, popular for its mythical allure and hubris tale of a decadent civilization destroyed by its own corruption, was introduced by Plato in his dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias." While the story is fictional, modern adaptations aim to make it more engaging by focusing on advanced technology, magic, and underwater civilizations, echoing real catastrophes like the Minoan eruption and the submerged landmass of Doggerland, which now forms parts of the UK.
Insights
- The story of Atlantis, as introduced by Plato, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of decadence and misuse of power, contrasting the virtuous Athenian lifestyle with the corrupt and luxurious tendencies of the mythical civilization.
- Doggerland, a submerged landmass connecting Britain to Europe, offers a real-world parallel to the Atlantis myth, with archaeological evidence revealing a lost civilization inundated by rising sea levels and a catastrophic tsunami, making it a fascinating area for researchers intrigued by ancient mysteries.
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Recent questions
What is the allure of Atlantis?
Mystery, exploration, and ancient magical civilization.
Who were the rulers of Atlantis?
Ten demigod children of Poseidon and Cleito.
What led to the sinking of Atlantis?
Zeus instructing Poseidon to sink the island.
How does Atlantis reflect real-world events?
Influenced by the Minoan eruption on Thera.
What is the significance of Doggerland?
Submerged landmass connecting Britain to Europe.
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Summary
00:00
The allure and downfall of Atlantis
- Atlantis is a beloved concept due to its allure of an ancient magical civilization lost underwater, appealing to the desire for exploration and discovery.
- The story of Atlantis serves as a hubris tale, often depicting a great civilization destroyed by its own decadence and misuse of power.
- Plato's dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias" introduce the concept of Atlantis, attributing its existence to ancient Egyptian records, although there is no evidence of their existence.
- Plato's narrative contrasts Athens' virtuous, Spartan-like lifestyle with Atlantis' luxurious and corruptive tendencies, illustrating the perils of decadence.
- Poseidon, in Plato's narrative, falls in love with a mortal woman, Cleito, and fathers ten demigod children who rule over Atlantis, eventually succumbing to greed and imperialism.
- Zeus, noticing the corruption in Atlantis, instructs Poseidon to sink the island with an earthquake, emphasizing the consequences of decadence and hubris.
- The story of Atlantis, while allegorical, may have been influenced by the Minoan eruption on the island of Thera, reflecting real-world catastrophic events.
- Despite Atlantis being a fictional creation by Plato, many have sought to locate the island based on his descriptions, leading to various theories and proposals.
- Modern adaptations of the Atlantis story often remove the war aspect, focus on advanced technology or magic, and depict Atlantis surviving underwater, enhancing its appeal as a setting for contemporary narratives.
- Changes in the Atlantis story aim to make it more engaging and versatile for modern storytelling, emphasizing themes of decadence, magical elements, and underwater civilizations.
10:49
"Doggerland: Atlantis of the North Sea"
- Doggerland was a vast landmass connecting Britain to Europe, submerged around 11000 years ago due to rising sea levels and a catastrophic tsunami 8200 years ago, leading to its abandonment for higher ground forming the UK. Neolithic and Mesolithic tools, Neanderthal and mammoth bones, and human footprints are constantly found in the area by fishing trawlers and archaeologists.
- The modern UK represents the highest points of the ancient Doggerland, with the North Sea once being a Mesolithic woodland paradise. Doggerland serves as a real-life Atlantis, full of artifacts and sunken civilization, making it a compelling research site for those intrigued by the mystery of Atlantis.
