Definition: The Greek philosopher Plato, while undoubtedly a great writer and philosopher, burdened the science of archaeology with the myth of Atlantis. Part of a planned trilogy, the story of Atlantis involved a powerful empire located on an island near the Pillars of Hercules, that fell into corruption and was doomed by the gods to sink under the ocean. Whether the story was an allegory, or a retelling of the fall of the Minoan empire, is debatable, but Atlantis has mostly been the stuff of fantasy.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
