Atlantic Report

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University of Koya

College of Education
Department of English
Stage 1

Prepared: Suze Wali


Lecture: Reading Skills
For Mr. Hedi

Atlantic
13/11/2023
Atlantic: Lost Island or Mythological Marvel?

For centuries, the legend of Atlantis, a technologically


advanced and prosperous island civilization that vanished
beneath the waves in a single cataclysmic event, has
captivated the imaginations of scholars and adventurers alike.
Despite numerous expeditions and countless theories, the
existence of Atlantis remains shrouded in mystery, fueling
speculation and debate.
Unraveling the Enigma

The story of Atlantis is primarily attributed to the ancient Greek


philosopher Plato. He introduced this legendary island civilization in
his dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias," written around 360 BC.

Plato portrayed Atlantis as a powerful and advanced society that


existed around 9,000 years before his own time. Here's a breakdown
of the key aspects of Atlantis from Plato's accounts:

- Location: Plato placed Atlantis beyond the Pillars of Hercules,


believed to be the Strait of Gibraltar. Its size was said to be larger than
ancient Libya and Asia Minor combined.

- Civilization: Atlantis was described as an advanced civilization with


remarkable architecture, engineering, and a sophisticated society. The
Atlanteans allegedly controlled a vast empire and possessed advanced
technology for their time.

- Hubris and Downfall: According to Plato, Atlantis fell out of favor


with the gods due to their arrogance, materialism, and corruption.
This led to their ultimate downfall in a single catastrophic event,
causing the entire island to sink into the sea within a day and a night.
- Historical Interpretation: The story of Atlantis has intrigued scholars,
archaeologists, and historians for centuries. While some view it as a
purely allegorical or fictional tale used by Plato to convey
philosophical and political ideas, others speculate about its potential
historical basis.

- Search and Speculation: The search for Atlantis has captivated


explorers and researchers throughout history. Numerous theories and
hypotheses regarding its location have emerged, with proposed sites
ranging from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and even
Antarctica. However, no conclusive evidence has been found to
confirm the existence of Atlantis as described by Plato.
Plato’s Enigma

The story of Atlantis remains a captivating and enduring legend,


sparking debates about its historical authenticity and serving as a
symbol of a lost, advanced civilization. Its mystery and allure continue
to fascinate those intrigued by ancient history and exploration.

The story of Atlantis comes from Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher.
In his dialogues "Timaeus" and
"Critias," he described Atlantis as a powerful and advanced civilization
that existed around 9,000 years before his own time. Plato mentioned
that Atlantis was a large island situated beyond the Pillars of Hercules
(which could refer to the Strait of Gibraltar) and had a sophisticated
society known for its wealth, military might, and technological
advancements.
According to Plato, Atlantis eventually waged war against ancient
Athens but ultimately sank into the sea in a catastrophic event,
disappearing beneath the waves. However, it's important to note that
there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of Atlantis as
described by Plato, leading many to view it as more of an allegorical
or mythical tale rather than an actual historical place. The legend of
Atlantis continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide,
sparking ongoing interest and speculation.
The Origins of the Myth

The earliest account of Atlantis comes from the Greek


philosopher Plato, who described it in two of his dialogues,
Timaeus and Critias, written around 360 BC. Plato's account
depicts Atlantis as a powerful island nation situated beyond
the Pillars of Hercules (modern-day Strait of Gibraltar) with a
sophisticated society, advanced technology, and immense
wealth. According to Plato, Atlantis was ultimately destroyed
by an earthquake and flood due to its hubris and arrogance.
The Search for Atlantis

Since Plato's time, countless researchers and explorers have


dedicated their lives to uncovering the truth about Atlantis.
Proposed locations for the lost island range from the Aegean
Sea to the Caribbean Sea, the Azores, and even Antarctica.
However, no conclusive evidence has ever emerged to confirm
Atlantis' existence.
Scientific Evidence

While archaeological evidence for a real-life Atlantis has been


elusive, geological and oceanographic studies have provided
some intriguing clues. The discovery of submerged ruins off
the coast of Bimini in the Bahamas and the Canary Islands, as
well as evidence of ancient tsunamis in the Mediterranean
Sea, have fueled speculation that Atlantis may have been
based on a real civilization that met its demise through
natural disasters.
Criticisms and Skepticism

Despite the enduring fascination with Atlantis, many scholars


remain skeptical about its historicity. Some argue that Plato's
account was a fictional allegory intended to serve as a moral
lesson, while others suggest that it may have been inspired by
real-world events, such as the volcanic eruption on Thera
(Santorini) in the Aegean Sea around 1600 BC.
The Continuing Legacy of Atlantis

Whether Atlantis ever truly existed or not, its legend continues


to inspire curiosity and imagination. The myth has been the
subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, and its
influence can be found in various forms of art and literature.
Conclusion

The mystery of Atlantis remains unsolved, and while its


existence may never be definitively proven or disproven, the
legend continues to fascinate and captivate us. The search for
Atlantis serves as a reminder of the power of stories and the
allure of the unknown. It compels us to question our
understanding of history, explore the depths of our oceans,
and push the boundaries of our knowledge. Whether it is myth
or reality, the story of Atlantis holds a valuable lesson: the
perils of hubris and the importance of humility in the face of
nature's immense power.
References

➢ Discover Magazine: https://www.discovermagazine.com/


➢ Surfer Today: https://www.surfertoday.com/

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