Join Prof. Edith Hall, a Durham University expert on Atlantis and ancient Greek culture, as she unravels the intriguing story behind this legendary lost city. Hall discusses the origins of the Atlantis myth in Plato's dialogues, revealing its reflection on Athenian society, naval power, and moral lessons. The conversation delves into the governance and decline of Atlantis, linking it to ancient civilizations and the critique of imperialism. Discover how a fictional narrative transformed into a quest for historical truth over time.
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Atlantis in Media
Atlantis appears in media like Aquaman and BBC's 2010 series.
Headlines use "Atlantis" to describe underwater discoveries, like "Britain's Atlantis" in the North Sea.
insights INSIGHT
Origin of Atlantis
The Atlantis story originates from Plato's dialogues, Timaeus and Critias, not actual historical events.
These dialogues are considered the first works of historical fiction.
insights INSIGHT
Historical Fiction
Plato's Atlantis story is the first work of historical fiction, setting a precedent for the genre.
While fictional, the story reflects real ancient Greek awareness of tsunamis and lost civilizations.
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Aristophanes' 'The Knights' is a satirical comedy that critiques Athenian politics and the power struggles within the city. The play features a clever slave who manipulates events to overthrow the powerful demagogue Cleon. Through humor and wit, Aristophanes exposes the corruption and absurdity of Athenian political life. The play's enduring appeal lies in its timeless satire of power, ambition, and the flaws of human nature. 'The Knights' offers a valuable insight into the social and political dynamics of ancient Athens.
The Republic
Plato
History of the Peloponnesian War
Thucydides
Written by Thucydides, this work is a detailed and insightful historical account of the Peloponnesian War. It chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides outlines the historical context leading up to the war, tracing the evolution of Greek society and detailing the tensions and incidents that led to the conflict. The narrative examines key events, alliances, and the complex interplay of human ambition and political motivations during the war.
Timaeus and Critias
Plato
This book is a Socratic dialogue in two parts. *Timaeus* provides a theoretical exposition of the cosmos, describing the creation of the universe from its beginning to the coming of man. It introduces the idea of a creator God and speculates on the structure and composition of the physical world, including the four classical elements and their geometric representations. *Critias*, the second part, tells the story of the rise and fall of Atlantis, an ancient, mighty, and prosperous empire that ultimately sank into the sea. The dialogue is unfinished and includes discussions on the creation of the human body, senses, and the concept of reincarnation, all grounded in Plato's philosophical ideas about the World of Forms and the nature of reality.
The story of Atlantis is one of history's enduring legends. So what’s the actual, ancient tale of Atlantis? Where does it come from? Was Atlantis real? And if not, why has the name become a byword for a lost city beneath the waves?
In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is back and ready to kick off 2025 with a bang. He is joined by Prof. Edith Hall to delve into the mystery that makes this fictional island so famous and discuss Atlantis's fictional origins in Plato's dialogues. Together they uncover why Plato created this mythical city and how it reflects his views on Athens' naval power, democracy, and morality.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
Theme music from Motion Array, all other music from Epidemic Sound
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