314: Atlantis: The Legend (Part 1)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom Holland and Dominic explore the origins of the Atlantis myth, dissecting Graham Hancock's theories and Netflix series "Ancient Apocalypse." Dominic summarizes Hancock's premise of a cataclysmic event destroying an advanced Ice Age civilization, while Tom expresses skepticism despite having watched the series. They trace the Atlantis story back to Plato, examining his life and the political context of Athens that influenced his writings. They discuss Plato's dialogues, particularly the Timaeus and Critias, where the Atlantis story is introduced as a blend of fact and fiction. Tom proposes that Plato's Atlantis is a parody of both Persia and Athens, serving as a political metaphor rather than a historical account, noting the initial lack of belief in its literal truth among classical scholars. They then discuss the revival of the Atlantis myth in later centuries and its potential connection to European colonialism, scientific racism, and humanity's hubris, setting the stage for the next episode.