The Festival of Judgement

The Festival of Judgement, as Plato describes it in “Critias,” was an important ceremonial and political event in Atlantean society. It brought together the cultural, religious and legal traditions of the Atlanteans.

Setting and Context

Timeframe: The Festival of Judgement took place every five or six years, in turn, so that odd and even numbers were each given their due. This rhythm showed the value placed on balance and harmony in Atlantean society.

Participants: The ten kings of Atlantis attended the event, each ruling a different part of the island. These kings were descendants of Poseidon, who was honored as the patron god of Atlantis.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Sacred Oath: The kings would gather in the Temple of Poseidon, a grand, richly decorated building that held a golden statue of Poseidon and his chariot. There they would swear a sacred oath to uphold the laws and principles their ancestor had laid down.

Bowl Ceremony: As part of the oath, a special ritual with a sacred bowl took place. The bowl was made of precious metals and inscribed with mystical symbols and words. The kings would use this bowl to draw and mix the blood of a sacrificed bull with wine.

Sacrifice of the Bull

The bull sacrifice was a key part of the festival. Bulls were caught with nooses and ropes, out of respect for the animal and the holiness of the act. The bull’s blood was collected in the sacred bowl, and part of it was poured over the altar in the temple.

Drinking of the Blood-Wine Mixture

After the blood was mixed with wine, the kings would drink from the bowl. This act stood for their unity, their shared commitment to the laws and their connection to Poseidon. It renewed their loyalty and their divine right to rule.

Legal and Political Functions

Judgement and Deliberation

After the religious ceremonies, the kings turned to their legal and political duties. They sat in council to discuss matters affecting their realms. This included settling disputes, making laws and making sure justice was done across Atlantis.

Enforcement of Laws

The kings had the authority to enforce the laws and decrees made during the festival. Their decisions were final and binding. They were taken to reflect the will of Poseidon and the shared wisdom of the rulers.

Symbolism and Significance

Divine Connection

The festival stressed the divine origin of the kings and their special bond with Poseidon. Through these rituals they showed their reverence for the gods and their commitment to keeping the divine order.

Unity and Harmony

Coming together, swearing oaths and performing rituals strengthened the unity of the ten kings. It reminded them of their shared heritage and common purpose.

Moral and Ethical Standards

The Festival of Judgement also set out the moral and ethical standards expected of the rulers. By keeping the laws and taking part in the sacred rituals, the kings set an example for their subjects and promoted integrity and justice in society.

Architectural and Artistic Elements

Temple of Poseidon

The Temple was a marvel of Atlantean architecture, richly decorated with gold, silver and other precious materials. The statue of Poseidon, with various carvings and inscriptions, added to its grandeur.

Sacred Bowl

The bowl used in the ceremonies was a ritual object and also a work of art. It showed the craftsmanship and cultural refinement of the Atlanteans.

Plato’s “Critias” 119d-e:

This passage describes the ritual oath of the kings of Atlantis, including the use of the sacred bowl and the bull sacrifice. The kings gather in the Temple of Poseidon to swear their commitment to the laws.

Plato’s “Critias” 120e-121c:

These sections give more details on the rituals, including the capture of the bull, the mixing of its blood with wine and the kings’ ceremonial drinking. This part stresses the religious and symbolic meaning of the acts.

Plato’s “Critias” 121d-122a:

Here Plato goes into the legal and political side of the Festival of Judgement. The kings use the occasion to discuss laws and government, to see that justice is done and to keep order in Atlantis.

The Festival of Judgement joined religious ritual, political debate and the enforcement of law. It helped keep the social order, confirmed the rulers’ divine right and held the kings of Atlantis together.