Does the Bible Mention the Lost City of Atlantis: Myth or Fact?
When discussing the mythical city of Atlantis, one often wonders if any mention of it can be found within the sacred texts of the Bible. While the Bible does not explicitly mention Atlantis, the concept has deep roots in Greek philosophy as detailed by the philosopher Plato in his dialogues. This article delves into the exploration of Atlantis, its possible connection to biblical accounts of floods, and the historical and contemporary theories surrounding this enigmatic city.
The Source of Atlantis: Plato’s Dialogues
The concept of Atlantis primarily originates from the works of the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato. In his dialogues, such as Timaeus and Critias, Plato refers to a powerful and advanced ancient civilization that vanished mysteriously. According to Plato, this civilization was described as a great and mighty empire whose territory extended over many islands of the Atlantic Ocean. However, the details provided are more symbolic and philosophical than historical, leading many to consider it a myth or allegory.
The Bible and Atlantis: A Speculative Connection
While the Bible does not directly mention Atlantis, some scholars and historians have proposed intriguing theories connecting the biblical account of the Great Flood, found in various text, to the myth of Atlantis. The story of the Noah's Ark flood, for instance, has echoes in cultures worldwide, all recounting the devastation of a great deluge that wiped out a civilization. One proposed theory is that the biblical floods might be in reference to the destruction of Atlantis.
According to the story, Solon, a Greek lawmaker and scholar who lived in the 6th century BC, made a voyage to Egypt and listened to the accounts of Egyptian priests and tablets, which described a catastrophic flood happening around 12,000 BC. Similarly, the ancient historian Herodotus wrote that Solon was told that this flood destroyed a civilization more advanced than any of his contemporary societies. Modern scientific research has revealed evidence supporting the existence of a massive flood and rise in sea levels around 11,000 BC to 12,000 BC, suggesting that either Solon and the ancient Egyptian priests were correct or that this event was one of the greatest coincidences in recorded history.
Search for Evidence and Modern Theories
Despite the lack of conclusive archaeological or historical evidence for the existence of Atlantis, the search for this lost city continues. Many theories have been proposed about potential locations for Atlantis, such as the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. More recently, some researchers have suggested that the Greek island of Thera (modern-day Santorini) could be the site of Atlantis. The documentary by the BBC, featuring historian Bettany Hughes, sheds light on the potential connection between Thera and Atlantis.
The search for Atlantis has also been linked to various spiritual and occult movements, such as The Sea Masons, who claim that the lost city is indeed located in Santorini. Founded on the seventh minute past the seventh hour on the seventh of the seventh 1977, on the banks of the River Severn in England, by seventy-seven men, this group offers a unique perspective on the myth of Atlantis.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not mention Atlantis, the story of this lost city remains a tantalizing enigma in both history and mythology. The connection between biblical floods and the myth of Atlantis remains speculative, leaving room for further exploration and discussion. The search for Atlantis continues, fueled by the sheer intrigue and mystery surrounding this ancient legend.
Further Reading
r r The BBC Documentary on Atlantisr The Sea Masons, a spiritual and occult organization claiming a connectionr Historian Bettany Hughes' work on ancient civilizations and mythsr r