Search For Atlantis - A History Of Plato`s Ideal State

The Atlantis story remains one of the most haunting and enigmatictales fromantiquity, and one that still resonates very deeply with themodern imagination. Butwhere did Atlantis come from, what was it like,and where did it go to?

Atlantis was first introduced by the Greekphilosopher Plato in the fourthcentury BC. As he discusses about the originsof life, the universe and humanity, thegreat thinker puts forward astunning description of Atlantis-an island paradise withan ideal society.But the Atlanteans soon degenerate and becomeimperialist aggressors: theychoose to fight against antediluvian Athens,which heroically repels their mightyforces, before a cataclysmic naturaldisaster destroys the warring states.

Plato's dialogues appear remarkably prescient today. Not because they invite a search for a mysterious lost continent, but because of their warnings about the pernicious effects of wealth and power on a ruling class: Atlantis-style luxury, excess, corruption, and imperialism can lead only to decay and disaster. Thisever-important taleshould be prescribed reading for every political leader.

Plato's tale of a great empire that sank beneaththe waves has sparkedthousands of years of debate over whether Atlantisreally existed. But did Platomean his tale as history-or just as a parableto help illustrate his philosophy?