Lord Bacon once said, “The mythology of the Greeks, which their oldest writers do not pretend to have invented, was no more than a light air, which had passed from a more ancient people into the flutes of the Greeks, which they modulated to such descants as best suited their fancies.” This insightful observation hints at the profound influence of an older civilization on Greek mythology—a civilization that may well be Atlantis.
The Debate on Greek Mythology
The debate over the foundation of Greek mythology—whether it is rooted in nature worship, planetary worship, or something else—has been a topic of scholarly discussion.
Sun Worship in Ancient Civilizations
Ancient civilizations such as the Peruvians, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Phoenicians practiced sun worship. This form of worship likely represents the religion of Atlantis. For example:
- Peru: Worshipped the sun, moon, and planets, with rituals involving sacrifices of fruits and flowers.
- Egypt: In early ages, the Egyptians worshipped the sun and planets. Ptah was the father of Ra, the sun-god, who was the supreme divinity.
- Babylonians: Their trinity included Hea, Anu, and Bel, with Bel representing the sun.
- Phoenicians: Their chief god was Baal-Samin, the god of light and creator.
Greek Sun Worship
The Greeks also worshipped the sun, as seen in the adoration of Apollo, one of their chief deities associated with the sun.
The Greeks and Atlantis
The Greeks converted the kings of Atlantis into their gods and depicted Atlantis as the heaven of the human race. The mythology of Greece contains references to gods who acted and behaved like humans, pointing to the historical kings of Atlantis.
- Immortality: Greek gods were believed to be immortal but not eternal. For instance, Zeus had a tomb in Crete.
- Human-like Attributes: The Greek gods had human qualities, including love, pain, and conflict, suggesting they were deified humans.
Olympus and Atlantis
Olympus, the home of the Greek gods, is reminiscent of Atlantis:
- Location: Situated “in the far west” and “beyond the ocean,” similar to Plato’s description of Atlantis.
- Inhabitants: The gods of Olympus, like those of Atlantis, were twelve in number, including Zeus, Poseidon, and others.
Influence of Atlantis on Greek Mythology
Greek mythology, when examined closely, reveals its roots in Atlantean history. For example:
- Poseidon: In both Greek mythology and Plato’s account, Poseidon was a significant figure associated with the sea and Atlantis.
- Atlas: Represented as holding up the heavens in the far west, directly linking him to Atlantis.
The Decline and Destruction of Atlantis
The myths of Greece also speak of the decline and destruction of a great civilization, mirroring the fate of Atlantis:
- Golden Age: The period of peace and prosperity in Atlantis is reflected in the Greek mythology’s Golden Age.
- Flood: The deluge that destroyed Atlantis is paralleled by the Greek story of Deucalion’s flood.
