DID ATLANTIS EXIST?

For a number of years Research teams from the Edgar Cayce foundation (ARE) have been exploring the waters in the region of the Bahamas, particularly Bimini and Andros Island. Many interesting clues pointing toward an ancient civilization have been found, but now a discover that may change history.

Some inhabitants of the Bahaman coastal area, aware of the presence of the Edgar Cayce Organization effort, informed ARE Research members with whom they were familiar, of underwater ruins of what appeared to be a building of at least several rooms. Upon investigation the ruins were determined to be man made with walls of carved limestone featuring corners that had been mitered.

The most exciting news was announced when a piece of a foundation wall was sent to be carbon dated.

The date of the stone's carving was determined to be an amazing 21,520 BC to 20,610 BC. Traditional scholars do not accept human habitation for this area before 1,000 BC.

These dates fit roughly with the time Edgar Cayce gave for the decline and fall of the Atlantean civilization. The ground breaking archaeological find is also in the area of the Bahamas in which Cayce foretold the finding of the famed Atlantis Hall of Records.

Here is a link to some interesting recent news about Atlantis:

Pre-Ice Age Complex Found Off Bahama Coast


Fantasy Underseaworld Of Atlantis Canvas Or Print by AughtonArtEditions
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To the left is a drawing of the layout of Atlantis based on the description given by Plato. Below the painting of Plato and Aristotle is a map of the continent of Atlantis, again using Plato's writings as a guide.

"Timaeus", the tile of one manuscript, begins with a more general philosophical discussion before broaching the subject of Atlantis. The story that then follows is attributed to Solan, a long dead relative of Critias. In Solon's youth he traveled to Egypt where he spent time with an elderly priest who imparted to him the story of Atlantis.

"Critias" is more or less a continuation of the story, but with greater detail. Here are the descriptions of the origins, lands, people and buildings of Atlantis. It seems Plato had more to tell us than that which has been left us by history. The dialogue of "Critias" ends in mid sentence, so there was obviously more to tell which has been lost in history.

So, basically there are two possibilities as to the beginning of the Atlantean legend.

1 - It is a myth. Plato probably made up a romantic story based on legends of his time to explain the destruction of the island of Thera by volcano. This disaster occurred in the Aegean Sea a few hundred years before Plato's era.

2 - Atlantis really existed. There is certainly evidence of past civilizations accomplishing feats that strain modern credibility. The pyramids of Egypt and Meso America, as well as the Go Bekli Temple site in Turkey continue to push back the date of organized human civilization by thousands of years. Nan Madol constructed on an obscure island in the Caroline chain of the Pacific is another scholarly enigma.


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Map of Atlantis, from 'Mundus Subterraneus' by bridgemanart
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Atlantis had pyramids and flying craft of some sort. They could have been saucer shaped with the ability to both float, fly and possibility be capable of submerging as well.

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Below are the books that, although written between 1882 and 1927, are the scholarly tomes that ignited an interest in finding the lost continent of Atlantis that is still going strong today. Ignatius Donnelly published his two volumes, "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World" and "The Destruction of Atlantis: Ragnarok, or the Age of Fire and Gravel" in 1882 and 1883 respectively. These two works have stood the test of time well and are still worthwhile reading for the serious student of Atlantis. Ignatius Donnelly is considered by most Atlantean researchers to be the father of modern Atlantology.

Lewis Spence was as Scottish journalist who studied and wrote thirty or forty books about ancient civilizations, mythology and so forth. He was aware of Donnelly's work and was himself very interested in Atlantis. "The history of Atlantis" was his contribution to the growing volume of lost continent work and also continues to be a fascinating read.

"Atlantis: The Antediluvian World"
Having long been known as the classic work on Atlantis, Donnelly presents the idea that true civilization began here. The philosopher, Plato in "Timaeus" and "Critias" stated that Atlantis had been a great civilization that sank into the sea and disappeared. Subjects addressed in this book include Plato's account of Atlantis, the destruction of Atlantis, historical stories of a great flood, inherited civilization, ancient global interaction, mention of Atlantis in Genesis, the origin of the alphabet, Greek gods who had originally been kings in Atlantis, pyramids, the symbol of the cross, the Garden of Eden, Atlantean colonies, and lots more. This is the book that has been more influential than any other in starting subsequent generations down the path of searching for the lost civilization of Atlantis.

"The Destruction of Atlantis: Ragnarok, or the Age of Fire and Gravel"
Donnelly's wrote the second book to present more evidence, both geological and archeological,to support his idea that advanced civilizations had existed in the ancient past.

Using evidence from Archeology, Astronomy and Geology, Donnelly convincingly argues that the impact of an asteroid or a comet could have created layers of gravel. This in turn could have lead to the destruction of the Atlantian civilization by creating a cloud cover which would have caused extreme cold to last for many years.

"The history of Atlantis"
My Note - I believe the following book was originally published in 1927 rather than the 1923 date given in the Amazon description.

This is a reproduction of the original book produced by scanning. Because of the condition of the original book or the scanning process there may be some imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks and so forth. It is still, however, and important read.

The books can be found below.

Is it possible that the destruction of Atlantis set in motion a series of events that influenced the development of many ancient civilizations? There are certainly those who think it happened. Prior to and after the final destruction Atlanteans became refugees in foreign lands bringing with them an invaluable commodity, knowledge. Egyptian and Mayan cultures are those most prominently associated with possible Atlantean influence.


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In the book descriptions below a great deal more information on the subject of Atlantis' influence on other civilizations is presented for those who are interested.

Is it possible that the destruction of Atlantis set in motion a series of events that influenced the development of many ancient civilizations? There are certainly those who think it happened. Prior to and after the final destruction Atlanteans became refugees in foreign lands bringing with them an invaluable commodity, knowledge. Egyptian and Mayan cultures are those most prominently associated with possible Atlantean influence.

In the book descriptions below a great deal more information on the subject of Atlantis' influence on other civilizations is presented for those who are interested.

"Survivors of Atlantis: Their Impact on World Culture"
This book by Frank Joseph addresses the following:

-The connections between a war initiated by the Atlanteans to conquer the world and the four natural disasters that changed the earth 5,000 years or more ago.

-Presents evidence to show that Atlantis had a copper trade empire that stretched from the North American continent to the Asian continent.

-Offers an explanation for the highly sophisticated copper mining activities in the Great Lakes area that took place approximately 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists have long considered the existence of the mines a mystery. Local indigenous Indian tribes have ancient oral traditions of fair skinned sailors who came in the past to "dig out the shiny bones" of the Earth Mother. In Plato's "Timaeus" he states that the Atlanteans were able to produce a high grade of copper that was impossible to replicate in his time. Mr. Joseph argues that the American Indians' "Sailors" were actually Atlanteans and that Atlantis' destruction by war and natural catastrophe is what ended Bronze Age. He also presents a compelling case that the dispersal of Atlantis's survivors influenced the development of Western European, Near Eastern, as well as North and South American cultures.

Frank Joseph's "Survivors of Atlantis" presents us with an in-depth look at the Atlantean war and connections with the last of the four catastrophic events generated by the cyclical return of a comet and its debris. These natural disasters were followed by mass migrations, the history of which shows up in the culture of such diverse races as the Incas of Peru, the Celtic Irish, the Classical Greeks, and the Aztecs of Mexico. The archaeology, mythology, astronomy, and geology present a common thread which leads to Atlantis. Joseph posits that what happened to Atlantis the story of emerging civilization and establishes Atlantis as a credible player in world history.

"The Destruction of Atlantis: Compelling Evidence of the Sudden Fall of the Legendary Civilization" by Frank Joseph

A comprehensive reconstruction of the history, and the rise and fall of the legendary civilization of Atlantis.

-Brings together compelling evidence from geology, astronomy, ancient texts and enduring myths to prove Atlantis did exist and ended catastrophically.

-Presents a fascinating narrative that re-creates Atlantis' last days.

Legends and histories from Classical, Biblical, earlyNorth and South American cultures and many more, share the myth of an ancient flood. These stories also often mention a rain of fire from the heavens. In "The Destruction of Atlantis", author Frank Joseph links this worldwide coincidence to the destruction of Atlantis which, according to Plato's account disappeared into the sea in a single day and night.

-In a very comprehensive account of this legendary island, Frank Joseph presents twenty years of compelling evidence gathered from around the world that Atlantis was the source of all subsequent human civilizations. To refute modern skeptics, he presents evidence from archaeological, geological, astronomical, and ancient lore to prove that Atlantean civilization existed in the context of Near Eastern Bronze Age society near the end of the 13th century B.C.E. He combines hard scientific evidence with an interesting and imaginative re-creation of how it must have felt to walk the streets during Atlantis' final days. The ensuing picture of a mighty empire riddled with corruption caused by an over whelming lust for wealth and power offers us in modern times an important lesson as to what could lead to our own downfall.

"Atlantis Encyclopedia by Frank Joseph

Frank Joseph has given us an invaluable and unique reference book. Many other books on the subject offer few facts and lots of theories. The Atlantis Encyclopedia offers fewer theories and more facts. The book does not necessarily set out to prove Atlantis actually existed. However, "The Atlantis Encyclopedia" presents so much evidence that even Atlantean skeptics might be forced to re-consider the possibility that something factual might be behind this enduring, global legend.

Questions addressed in this book:
-What actually was Atlantis?
- What was its location?
-How long ago did it exist?
-How was it destroyed?
-Were there survivors and if so where did the go?
-Have any archeological remains of Atlantis been discovered?
-Will the site of Atlantis ever be found?
-Did Atlantis have any influence on America?

"Prophecies of the Maya" by Frank Joseph

This book sets out to prove that the Mayan Calendar was brought to Mexico by survivors of Atlantis.

-Presents scientific studies and correlates them with the Mayan Calendar to reveal that 2012 could be the start of a new ice age.

-Reveals the link between Atlantis and Lemuria discovered presented in Edgar Cayce's Readings.

Drawing from more than 25 years of personal research around the world and the Edgar Cayce Readings about Atlantis and Lemuria, Mr. Joseph suggests that the Mayan Calendar was brought to Mexico by some of the survivors of Atlantis. He reveals Atlantean influences in ancient Mesoamerican culture and the ancient Egyptian culture. Mr. Joseph also sees the destruction of Atlantis as being the genesis of the Olmec civilization in Mexico who were the ancestors of the Mayans. He also presents links to the beginning of the first Egyptian dynasty, and obviously the beginning of the Mayan Calendar.

Joseph contends that the Mayan Calendar was invented by a combination of knowledge from Atlantis, Lemuria and the developing Mayan civilization. He gives a description of how the calendar is able to predict the eternal cycle of creation, destruction, and renewal. Combining this never ending cycle with scientific glacial ice cores studies and predictions from the Hopi Indians, the Incas, and the Scandinavian Norse, Joseph postulates that 2012 could see the beginning of a massive solar storm and the start of a new ice age. However, on the positive side, Mr. Joseph shows us that the Maya knew how to reestablish civilization's cosmic balance before time we run out of time.

Edgar Cayce had a great deal to say about Atlantis. In the Life Readings given by Edgar Cayce's several hundred referred to the ancient civilization of Atlantis. According to his information Atlantis was destroyed in a series of three disasters separated by many years. According to Cayce the first major destruction occurred approximately 50,000 BC. This was followed by the second cataclysm about 28,500 BC. The final submergence and destruction of what remained of the so called Lost Continent was not until somewhere around 10,000 BC.

Many Atlanteans fled this final catastrophic event and took refuge at various locations all along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and even parts of the Pacific coastal areas. This caused the knowledge and culture of the Atlantean refugees to be incorporated into a number of emerging societies and is responsible for the development similarities of many early cultures. Supposedly some Atlanteans, anticipating the final destruction had already migrated to Egypt and were responsible for jump starting the Egyptian golden age.

Even now, the ARE (the official Edgar Cayce organization) continues to search for the Atlantis Cayce so strongly affirmed existed. The ARE and its supporters sponsor continued investigation in the Bahamas off Bimini and Andros Islands.

Below are some books with the Readings of Cayce as a basis or at least a consideration in the presentation of the subject matter.

"Edgar Cayce on Atlantis by Edgar Evans Cayce, Hugh Lynn Cayce

This book, interestingly enough, is written and edited by Cayce's two sons.

This book is based on information from the Edgar Cayce Readings and does assume the existence of reincarnation. Evidence is presented showing how the achievements and mistakes of the Atlantean civilization directly relate to the conflict and confusion in our present time.

"Edgar Cayce's Atlantis" by Gregory L. Little, Lora Little, John Van Auken

This book discusses the legend of Atlantis and discoveries found by ongoing research for archeological evidence of this fabled lost land. More than a hundred illustrations, some never before published before are included in this volume. Besides Atlantis, there are also interesting snippets of information about the legendary lands of Mu, Lemuria, Og, Zu, as well as others.

"The A.R.E.'s Search for Atlantis: The Ongoing Search for Edgar Cayce's Atlantis in the Bahamas" by Gregory L. Little & Lora H. Little

Beginning in 1968 the Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) have been searching in Bahamas clues to the location of Atlantis. Relying on information from Plato's "Timaeus" and "Critias" as well as Edgar Cayce's Readings, a number of sites with possible ancient ruins have been located. The most famous of these sites is the Bimini Road near North Binimi Island.

Cayce's Readings predicted indications of Atlantis would be found in 1968 and 1969 in the vicinity of the Bahamas. During this time period numerous unusual underwater formations were found off Andros Island, the largest of the Bahama Islands. These discoveries have been continuously investigated during the ensuing years.

The subsequent expeditions discovered the existence of a massive multi-tiered stone platform in the shallow waters off Andros. This book is partly a travelogue of the Little's search. They document their discoveries and present an intriguing theory about Bimini and Andros Islands. They present evidence pointing to the location of the capitol city of Atlantis as being in the shallow waters near Cuba. This substantiates the theory of Andrew Collins speculated in his, seemingly out of print book, "Gateway to Atlantis".





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The controversy over whether or not Atlantis and other legendary lands such as Lemuria rages on. There have been thousands of books, articles, documentaries and movies published on the subjects of Atlantis and other lost civilizations and legendary lands. There have been numerous books of intended pure fiction based on the notion of Atlantis' ancient society.

There are theories that are based on archeological and historical fact. There are theories that humans have been civilized far longer than is now scientifically accepted and some may have obtained unimaginable heights of technology. There are theories constructed on the channelings of psychics. There are "Ancient Astronaut" theories that posit intelligent space aliens descended and either built monumental structures or mentored early mankind in doing so. There are other ideas that are based on nothing but speculation and romantic imaginings.

Did the wonderful continent and city of Atlantis actually exist. In final discovery, the only thing that can be proven is - - - -Nothing! Those who disbelieve such a place never existed cannot prove that it didn't. Those who believe it did exist cannot with any certainty prove that such a wonderful and mythical place ever occupied space on our planet.

Ultimately either side could be right or could be wrong. However, there is one other option for believers in reincarnation. Dr. Michael Newton, author of a series of books on between life hypnotic regression has a totally different theory. From his many years of work and research with patients in trance he draws a different conclusion. He thinks Atlantis is a past life memory of an existence an Atlantis type place on another world. Interesting. Is he correct? Who knows, but his idea may as well be put in the box with all the others.

Whatever the truth may be and however strange it may be the legend of Atlantis is fun and entertaining. I think Atlantis in the form of some sort of early advanced civilization did exist. Set as it is in the mists of history, any event that has been retold as much as this legend must have some grain of truth at its heart. Plato seemed to believe it nearly the story as it existed almost three thousand years ago. Now in the twenty first century the legend trudges on as full of "life" as ever.

Whatever you may believe, at least accept the legends of advanced civilizations and mythical characters as fun ideas with which to play.

If you've "hung in here" reading to this point, Thank You. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I had fun being the scribe of this lens. Leave a comment, I'd like to hear from you.





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There is a book by H. R. Stahel titled "Atlantis Illustrated". Mr Stahel was an architect who became curious as to how Atlantis might have actually looked. Since Plato's "Critias" does contain some measurements and other specifications Stahel decided to undertake the task of drawing parts of Atlantis.

The book contains more than one hundred pages of wonderfully detailed drawings and specifications. The study, thought and effort that must have gone into producing this book is impressive. Sadly it seems to be out of print. If you are fortunate enough to locate a copy at a reasonable price, buy it. If you are truly interested in the phenomenon of Atlantis this book will be a treasure. I am fortunate to have a copy and I do treasure it. There is so much to see and consider.

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I just thought I would add this tidbit of information for those who can't get enough of this sort of info. It really is a great book. Good luck to you in finding your copy. They do exist. I found mine on eBay.

The accompanying picture is not, unfortunately, on of Stahel's illustrations. It is an artist concept of a Minoan Temple, but in many ways representative of the look of Atlantean architecture as interpreted in the book. There is also a school of thought that the Minoan civilization might have actually been the Atlantis of legend.