Explaining the Legend of Atlantis
Explaining the Legend of Atlantis 4 Minutes Read 821 Words EN An illustration by Sir Gerald Hargreaves shows a utopian scene on a cove of the mythical land of Atlantis. Many scholars think Plato invented the story of Atlantis as a way to present his philosophical theories. Photograph by Mary Evans Picture Library/Everett Collection HISTORY & CULTURE The lost city of Atlantis likely didn’t exist, but Plato’s fascinating island nation continues to spark questions. Here’s what to know. By Willie Drye Last updated July 31, 2025 Atlantis is an island nation mentioned in two of the Greek philosopher Plato ’s most famous dialogues , Timaeus and Critias . In them, he describes the ancient civilization as peaceful and vastly wealthy, protected by the sea god Poseidon . But although it’s one of his most famous stories, it’s almost certainly false. So why is this story still repeated more than 2,300 years after the ancient Greek’s death? “It’s a story that captures the imagination,” says
