Conversations: From the Known to the Unknown, Atlantis vs. Mediterranean Archaeology w/ Flint Dibble
Jan 14, 2022
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Researcher Flint Dibble discusses Mediterranean archaeology and debunks myths about Atlantis. They explore the evolution of the Atlantis myth, link between Plato's eugenics and white supremacy in ancient Greece, and challenges in connecting archaeological findings to myths like Troy. The chapter also delves into ancient sacrificial practices and modern parallels, drawing comparisons between hekatombs and Thanksgiving.
Atlantis myths debunked through real archaeology and Plato's texts.
Understanding the practicality of ancient hekatombs through economic factors.
Discrepancy between mythological feasting descriptions and archaeological evidence of ancient diets.
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Myth vs. Reality: Unveiling Atlantis with Archaeological Insights
In a deep dive into Atlantis, the podcast challenges the myths surrounding ancient Greece, particularly the concept of Atlantis. Examining archaeological evidence and myths from Plato's texts reveals the intricate web of connecting known information to unmask historical realities, emphasizing the importance of real archaeology over pseudo-scientific theories.
The Practice of Hekatombs in Ancient Times
In ancient times, the practice of hekatombs was justified by the number of people that needed to eat the sacrificial animals. These sacrifices were not just arbitrarily demanded by the gods, but were based on practical considerations. Receipts from Athenians selling skins and hides for leather provide insight into the quantities of animals slaughtered, which varied according to available funds each year. While a hekatomb traditionally consisted of a hundred animals, the actual numbers slaughtered fluctuated based on economic factors, indicating a more complex reality behind these rituals.
Mythological Stories vs. Archaeological Evidence
The mythological epics like the Iliad and the Odyssey often depict extravagant scenes of feasting and sacrifices, portraying a lavish and abundant lifestyle. However, archaeological evidence contradicts these grand narratives, revealing that people during that time consumed less animal protein and had more dietary issues. Isotope analysis of bones and teeth from that era indicates a diet lower in animal protein and a less nourished population. This disparity highlights the distinction between mythological storytelling, which may exaggerate reality, and archaeological findings that provide a more nuanced understanding of ancient societies.
Liv speaks with researcher Flint Dibble all about the archaeology of the Mediterranean, what we know about Plato's Atlantis, and more importantly: what we know about Athens from the Bronze Age and earlier! Twitter threads mentioned in the episode: Atlantis in current pop culture, the dangers of Atlantis "lore", erotic vases.
CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.
Further Reading: Plato's Timaeus and Critias, quotes translated by Benjamin Jowett; A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato's Ideal State by Stephen P. Kershaw (includes alternate translation of Plato); PDF: Truth, Lies, and History in Plato's Timaeus and Critias by Thomas K Johansen, 1998.
