Mythological Worlds: Atlantis

Situated off the Columns of Hercules, that is to say at the edge of the known world, stood Atlantis, the mythical island described by Plato. Following the gods’ division of the world, this vast land mass, rich in resources, was returned to Poseidon. From his relationship with Clitô, ten boys were born and would become the first ten rulers of the island divided into as many kingdoms, whose borders are shown on the map here. The Atlanteans — from Atlas, the eldest brother — became a prosperous people, but excess (hubris), a central value in Plato’s works, would put an end to this golden age: this once ideal city developed expansionist designs, provoking the anger of Zeus who engulfed it under the waves.