#264 - Atlantis, Ancient Egypt & Graham Hancock's Lost Civilization | Flint Dibble

Oct 7, 2024

In this engaging conversation, archaeologist Flint Dibble shares his expertise on ancient Greece and the myths of Atlantis. They dive into Plato's controversial account, questioning its historical accuracy and implications. Flint highlights the significance of interpreting ancient texts and explores how ancient practices, like the Eleusinian Mysteries, influenced early Christianity. The discourse also touches on mind-altering substances used in rituals and alternative theories about the pyramids, making for a fascinating blend of history and mystery.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Inspired by Hancock

Flint Dibble mentions colleagues who entered archaeology due to Graham Hancock's work.
They now disagree with Hancock but credit him for sparking their interest.

ANECDOTE

Hillman on Plato's Atlantis

Danny Jones recounts a conversation with Amon Hillman about Plato and Atlantis.
Hillman's conclusion, after researching primary sources, was that Plato fabricated the Atlantis story.

INSIGHT

Atlantis: A Noble Lie

Plato's Atlantis story is a 'noble lie', a concept he introduced to teach moral behavior through fictional narratives.
It serves as a thought experiment to explore ideal governance, not as a historical account.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Clouds

William James Hickie

Aristophanes

Fingerprints of the gods

The Evidence of Earth's Lost Civilization

Graham Hancock

In 'Fingerprints of the Gods,' Graham Hancock argues that an advanced civilization existed in prehistory, which served as the common progenitor to all subsequent known ancient historical civilizations. He proposes that this civilization ended in a cataclysm around the end of the last ice age but passed on profound knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics to its inheritors. Hancock uses tools such as archaeo-astronomy, geology, and computer analysis of ancient myths to support his theory. He explores various ancient sites, including Egypt’s Great Sphinx, the Andean ruins of Tihuanaco, and Mexico’s Temples of the Sun and Moon, revealing evidence of a lost civilization’s vast sophistication and technological advancement[2][3][5].

Troy

Stephen Fry

Plato's Republic

Plato

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.

Plato's Symposium

Benjamin 1817-1893 Jowett

Plato

In this dialogue, Plato presents a discussion on the concept of love (eros) among a group of Athenian intellectuals, including Socrates, Phaedrus, Aristophanes, and Alcibiades. The dialogue delves into various dimensions of love, such as its relationship to beauty, virtue, and wisdom. It challenges conventional views on love and presents a philosophical exploration of its role in achieving a good and virtuous life. The work is set at the house of Agathon, a tragic poet, and features a series of praise speeches that reflect different viewpoints on love[1][3][4].

New Atlantis

Francis Bacon

Written around 1623 and published posthumously in 1627, 'New Atlantis' is a philosophical and utopian work by Francis Bacon. The story follows a group of sailors who discover the mysterious island of Bensalem, where they encounter a society governed by a democratically elected parliament and guided by the principles of Salomon’s House, an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the study of nature. The novel emphasizes the integration of science and ethics in governance and highlights Bacon’s vision of a society where knowledge and reason are central to human progress and happiness[1][2][5].

Magicians of the Gods

The Forgotten Wisdom of Earth's Lost Civilisation

Graham Hancock

In 'Magicians of the Gods', Graham Hancock builds on the premise introduced in his earlier work 'Fingerprints of the Gods'. He argues that a highly advanced civilization existed in prehistory but was destroyed around 10,800 BC by the fragments of a large comet, an event known as the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis. This catastrophe caused widespread destruction, climate change, and sea-level rise, leading to the end of this civilization. However, survivors, referred to as the 'Magicians of the Gods', dispersed across the world to pass on their knowledge, contributing to the construction of ancient monuments such as Göbekli Tepe, Baalbek, the Great Sphinx, and the Pyramids of Giza. Hancock links these sites to the survivors of the prehistoric civilization, suggesting they were built much earlier than mainstream archaeologists have determined[2][5][5].

Homer's odyssey

Gwen Cooper

Homer's Odyssey is a memoir by Gwen Cooper that chronicles her life with a blind cat named Homer. Despite being born without eyes, Homer grows into a spirited and loving companion who faces numerous challenges, including surviving the aftermath of 9/11 and defending his home against an intruder. Through Homer's adventures, Cooper reflects on the profound impact he had on her life, teaching her about courage, love, and living beyond limitations.

Hesiod's Theogony

Hesiod

Hesiod's Theogony is an ancient Greek epic poem that details the origins and genealogies of the Greek gods. It describes the creation of the cosmos, the rise of the Titans, and the eventual triumph of Zeus and the Olympian gods. The poem explores themes of power, order, chaos, and the relationship between gods and humans. It is a significant source for understanding ancient Greek mythology and religious beliefs. The Theogony's influence can be seen in later Greek literature and art.

Homer's Iliad

The Basel Commentary

Martha Krieter-Spiro

S. Douglas Olson

Benjamin Millis

Sara Strack

This volume provides a detailed analysis of Book XIV of Homer's Iliad, known for the 'Dios apate' scene. It includes linguistic, philological, and narratological insights, building on extensive Homeric scholarship. The commentary is part of the Basel Commentary series, which updates and expands earlier works in the field.

The Road to Eleusis

Albert Hofman

R. Gordon Wasson

Carl Ruck

Atlantis the Antediluvian World

IGNATIUS DONNELLY

Ignatius Donnelly's "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World" is a significant work in the history of Atlantis theories. Published in 1882, it revived interest in the lost continent, proposing that Atlantis was the cradle of civilization. Donnelly connected various myths and legends to Atlantis, suggesting it as the origin of human culture and technology. The book's popularity fueled a renewed fascination with Atlantis, influencing popular culture and sparking further speculation. Despite its pseudoscientific nature, it remains a landmark text in the history of Atlantis studies.

The Giza Power Plant

Christopher Dunn

Hesiod's Works and days

Hesiod

Plato's Apology

Plato

Plato's Apology is a compelling courtroom drama recounting Socrates' defense against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth, showcasing his unwavering commitment to truth and philosophical inquiry.

Digging up Armageddon

Eric H. Cline

This book tells the story of the early years of biblical archaeology through the excavations at Megiddo, begun in 1925. It delves into the personal and professional lives of the archaeologists involved, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and tensions in British Mandate Palestine. The book provides insights into the discoveries made at the site, including the infamous 'Solomon's Stables', and the challenges faced by the team.

Sacred Tales

D. R. Tara

Sacred Tales by D. R. Tara is a compilation of 60 mythological stories designed for children. The book aims to introduce young readers to a variety of mythological tales, fostering imagination and cultural awareness. However, detailed information about the author and the book's content is limited.

Plato's Parmenides

R. E. Allen

This book provides a detailed translation of Plato's Parmenides along with a comprehensive commentary. It analyzes the dialogue's structure and its implications for Plato's theory of Ideas, relating it to other dialogues and Aristotle's criticisms. The commentary highlights the aporetic nature of the arguments and their significance in understanding Plato's philosophy.

The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation

Including the Demotic Spells

Hans Dieter Betz

Janet H. Johnson

The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation is a seminal work that compiles magical texts from Greco-Roman Egypt, spanning from the second century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. It includes translations of Greek, Demotic, and Coptic texts, offering insights into ancient magical practices and syncretic religious traditions. The book is invaluable for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the history of magic and ancient cultures.

Atlantis Rising

T. A. Barron

In 'Atlantis Rising', T.A. Barron crafts a richly detailed and imaginative tale that intertwines the myth of Atlantis with the story of Promi and Atlanta, two young heroes embroiled in an ancient battle between good and evil. The book is part of the Atlantis Saga and is praised for its beautiful writing and exciting adventure.