Dan Snow's History Hit
Atlantis
Mar 20, 2024
Exploring the myth of Atlantis from Plato's account, discussing its historical roots with Steve Kershaw. The link between European and American civilizations, the mystery of Atlantis in the context of Greece's seismic activity, and the unique origins of Atlantis and its historical context.
22:16
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Quick takeaways
- Plato's Atlantis is a political allegory warning against imperialism.
- The enduring allure of Atlantis stems from its mystique and philosophical underpinnings.
Deep dives
Plato's Allegorical Atlantis
Plato's story of Atlantis in his dialogues Timaeus and Critias serves as an allegory to make a political point about imperialism. Atlantis, a once glorious civilization, is destroyed due to divine wrath symbolizing the consequences of overreaching power. The detailed account of the city's destruction underlines the theme of moral decline leading to a cataclysmic end. Plato's use of myths as philosophical devices highlights the enduring appeal of storytelling to convey complex ideas.
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