Brooke
Is the story of Atlantis simply a
story, a work of fiction?
Despite the possible locations for Atlantis, the orichalcum that was discovered
on a sunken Greek trading ship, and the concentric circles found along the
Moroccan Coast, there still has been no concrete evidence ever discovered to
prove the existence of Plato's Atlantis. Sure, there are theories to explain
Atlantis' disappearance or its actual location in the world (assuming Plato had
the location wrong), but what if Plato made the story up? Is it possible that
Plato's Atlantis was purely a work of fiction?
Plato often wrote for entertainment and many scientists, researchers, and
historians believe Plato's story of Atlantis was intended to be a warning to
other Greek cities. In his story, Atlantis had become greedy, morally corrupt,
and turned their back on the gods. To the Greeks, the gods were active spirits
who intervened in human affairs frequently to either rewards devout followers
or punish those who were not. Plato explained to the Greeks what would
happen to them if they followed a similar path to Atlantis; it too would be
destroyed by massive earthquakes, tidal waves, and volcanic eruptions.
Plato believed the perfect form of government to be an un-democratic one.
He believed a strong ruler was needed to keep the people from destroying
themselves. Interestingly, Atlantis was described by Plato as being a utopia, or
a perfect society, that had a strong monarchy. But Plato lived in the
democratically-controlled Athens, which likely infuriated Plato. It makes sense
that Plato would create this dream city to serve as both a warning and a source
of criticism to Athens.
1.) Which way does this text lean toward Atlantis? Was it real or fiction?
2.) What motives would Plato have to make up the city of Atlantis?
3.) Do you think Plato's Atlantis is a work of fiction? Keep in mind the detail that Plato used when describing Atlantis.
History wi
Specializing in American and World History for late Elementary, Middle, and early l