How is this possible? How could the greatest civilization that ever was be mistaken or not known of? If one heard the description of Atlantis on a whim, they might be inclined to think what they heard was the blueprint of a made up, mythical creation existing only in someone’s imagination. This serves as a strong argument against the existence of Atlantis. However, it is repeatedly stated in the Critias and the Timaeus: “And the fact is that it is not invented fable but a genuine history is all important.” (Bacon 76) It is evident that life as an Atlantean was exceptionally good: advanced technology, leisurely lifestyle, socially, globally and militarily dominant. What more could you ask for? It is said by some that Atlantis was the cradle of human civilization: “Atlantis is the lost paradise, Garden of Eden, the Golden age, the cradle of mankind.” (Ramage 11) And it certainly seems that way if one takes these accounts as historical. If Atlantis had been all of these things, it would have had to have been in a central location such as the Aegean sea, which is dead center of what is commonly referred to as the cradle of civilization, the area encompassing the Caspian and Mediterranean seas. The Mediterranean location matches well with the beautiful descriptions of the society and its cities in Plato’s works. The Mediterranean weather would have been perfect to support the glorious paradise as it was described.

marvelous beauty and endless abundance.” (Crit., 115A-B) This same passage from the Critias speaks of systematic irrigation and advanced hydro engineering, and a myriad of regularly cropped produce and harvests. Atlanteans ran their water supply with expert efficiency: “The springs they made use of, one being of cold, another of warm water, were of abundant volume, and each kind was wonderfully well adapted for use of the natural taste and excellence of it’s waters.” (Bacon 19) The Atlantean agricultural infrastructure was the springboard to an advanced and leisured society. Other indications of this include mention of extraordinary technologies such as: monarchical and class system, specialized status for women, advanced hydraulic engineering (plumbing, irrigation), domesticated horses, bridge building, complex theogeny, unparalleled celestial navigation and mastery of the seas, metal working and casting, and superior military tactics and abilities. In fact, Plato wrote that the military forces of the Royal City alone supported in excess of 10,000 chariots with two horses each! The soldiers who manned and operated these machines of war, along with 1200 fine warships, are described almost to the letter as Greek Hoplites. Hoplites were the famous heavily armed infantry men that instigated the power of Greece during its apex. The Critias also describes well trained archers, slingers, and javelin men possessing extraordinary skill.

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