Rudolf Steiner describes the beginning of Atlantis as the emergence of the fourth root race, succeeding the third root race (Lemurians), through a guided evolutionary transition. This race originated from a small, advanced segment of Lemurians selected by higher entities for further development, while most Lemurians degenerated into forms resembling modern primitive groups.
The transition occurred in a torrid zone, relatively free from Lemuria’s volcanic instability, allowing fixed settlements and calmer growth.
The Atlantean race started with the Rmoahal sub-race, marked by the development of memory from vivid sense-impressions, such as colors and tones, which persisted in the soul and enabled speech.
Unlike later humans, early Atlanteans lacked logical reasoning and relied on pictorial thinking; education presented life in images to build recall for practical use.
Initial conditions included a denser atmosphere and more fluid water, fostering a close bond with nature—settlements resembled gardens with homes from intertwined trees.
They harnessed plant life-forces for technology, like powering air-ships, and human bodies remained plastic, adapting to inner changes.
Key early characteristics involved women’s role from late Lemuria, where their memory and imagination shaped communal life, notions of good and evil, and nascent religion through rhythmic songs and dances under priestesses.
Cosmic events, such as the separation of sun, moon, and earth, densified matter, awakened sight, and influenced sexual duality and self-consciousness, setting the foundation for Atlantean evolution.
