Atlantis
Atlantis refers to the legendary lost city first described by the ancient philosopher Plato in his dialogues, particularly in "Timaeus" and "Critias." According to Plato, Atlantis was a powerful and advanced civilization governed by the sea god Poseidon, characterized by intricate canals, grand architecture, and fertile lands. Its inhabitants, the Atlanteans, were known for their engineering skills and wealth, but their ambition ultimately led to their downfall. The myth narrates that a hubris-driven conflict with Athens prompted the gods to punish Atlantis, culminating in its catastrophic destruction and submersion beneath the ocean. The enduring allure of Atlantis lies in its combination of mythology and philosophy, reflecting themes of power, pride, and the consequences of overreach. The quest for the lost city of Atlantis has sparked various theories regarding its actual location, inspiring countless explorations throughout history. Researchers and enthusiasts alike delve into the fascinating world of Atlantis mythology, investigating potential sites such as Santorini, the Caribbean, and even Antarctica. While many historians consider the narrative to be an allegorical cautionary tale rather than a historical account, the cultural impact of Atlantis remains significant. It has influenced literature, film, and modern narratives, captivating imaginations with the idea of an advanced civilization lost to time. In the present day, the allure of finding the lost city of Atlantis continues to challenge our understanding of ancient cultures and the mysteries of the deep sea.
What is the origin of the Atlantis myth according to the video?
The Atlantis myth originates from Plato, who lived in Athens 2400 years ago. In one of his texts, Plato described Atlantis as a utopian civilization with advanced technology and engineering, located 'past the pillars of Hercules' in the Atlantic Ocean. However, most historians agree that Plato wasn't describing a literal place, but rather using Atlantis as a parable or philosophical lesson about utopian societies, human hubris, and the potential downfall of civilization.
Watch clip answer (01:08m)
Johnny Harris
01:35 - 02:44
Is Atlantis a real historical civilization?
According to Johnny Harris, Atlantis has no basis in empirical fact. It was created by Plato as a parable to teach people, not as a historical account of a real civilization. While there are many who fill in knowledge gaps with their own interpretations that might make Atlantis seem real, this approach contradicts the scientific process. Scientific consensus, built through gathering, analyzing, and debating evidence over decades, does not support Atlantis's existence. Harris contrasts those who are comfortable making connections that feel good with the rigorous, slow process of establishing scientific knowledge through evidence-based consensus.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
Johnny Harris
17:14 - 17:55
How did Heinrich Himmler try to justify the Holocaust through the Atlantis myth?
Heinrich Himmler, the architect of the Holocaust, funded archaeological expeditions seeking evidence of a superior ancient civilization in an attempt to validate his genocidal ideology. Nazi archaeologists speculated that the ancestors of German people originated from Atlantis and escaped to Germany when the continent sank, creating a fabricated lineage of superiority. This manipulation of mythology transformed Atlantis from an ancient parable into pseudo-scientific justification for horrific violence. Similar to how others had misused the Atlantis story, Himmler employed this bogus historical narrative to provide a foundation for some of the most heinous acts in human history, claiming a divine or superior origin for the German people.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)Johnny Harris
16:15 - 17:04
How did scientific understanding in the 1800s influence views on Atlantis?
In the mid-1800s, scientific understanding was evolving beyond Biblical timelines. People began approaching Atlantis with a scientific lens as they discovered continental drift explaining matching fossils across oceans. This scientific perspective was further prompted by archaeological discoveries showing similar structures like pyramids, writing systems, and agricultural practices between isolated civilizations such as Egyptians and Mayans. These similarities between cultures that seemingly couldn't have communicated raised questions about potential shared origins or knowledge transfer, making the concept of an advanced lost civilization like Atlantis scientifically intriguing rather than merely mythological.
Watch clip answer (00:51m)
Johnny Harris
04:11 - 05:03
Who created the maps of Atlantis and what was his method for developing this theory?
William Scott Elliot created detailed maps of Atlantis at the turn of the 20th century, depicting what he claimed was an ancient civilization that existed a million years ago. Rather than using conventional scientific research, Elliot developed his theory through spiritual clairvoyance, which he combined with scientific concepts of his time, such as the natural rising and falling of oceans and tectonic movement. His maps show Atlantis as a circular city with sophisticated canals, palaces, and a central population area called 'the city of the Golden Gates.' Elliot expanded on Plato's original descriptions but took them to an entirely new level through his spiritual beliefs rather than empirical evidence.
Watch clip answer (02:01m)
Johnny Harris
09:01 - 11:03
What does the 1800s map claim about Atlantis?
The 1800s map challenges Atlantis's mythical status by purportedly showing its exact location and matching all the characteristics associated with the legendary land. Despite being created in the late 19th century, the map is described as well-made and accurate in its depiction of the current world, while simultaneously claiming that Atlantis existed approximately one million years ago. The map presents Atlantis not as fiction but as a real place that once existed, alongside other extraordinary claims that Johnny Harris describes as "crazy stuff."
Watch clip answer (00:34m)Johnny Harris
00:02 - 00:36