The mythical city of Atlantis, often described as an advanced civilization engulfed by the sea, has captivated the human imagination since antiquity. Originating in the writings of the philosopher Plato, the myth has been propagated and transformed over the centuries, finding a prominent place in medieval literature. The aim of this article is to explore the fascinating persistence of Atlantis in the medieval imagination, and to shed light on its impact right up to the present day.
Introduction
Origins of the Atlantean legends
First mentions of Atlantis - Plato and his influence
Plato was the first to mention Atlantis in his dialogues, "The Timaeus" and "The Critias", telling the story of a powerful island beyond the "Columns of Hercules", and eventually submerged by the waves. This narrative laid the foundations for all future speculation on Atlantis.
Transmission of ancient texts in the Middle Ages
Plato's works, like many other ancient texts, were rediscovered and copied by monks in the scriptoria of monasteries, enabling the legend of Atlantis to survive and perpetuate itself throughout the Middle Ages.
The Atlantis legend was reinterpreted by medieval thinkers, often in line with the Christian worldview, sometimes becoming a metaphor for religious teachings or a warning against decadence.
Atlantis in the medieval imagination
Travel tales and fantastic geography
Travel tales, such as those by Marco Polo, often echoed the fascination for unexplored lands and sometimes included references to Atlantis or similar islands.
Religious symbolism and Atlantis
Atlantis has been adopted as an allegory in some Christian writings, with sometimes symbolizing paradise lost or hubris leading to the Fall.
Political and social roles of Atlantis myths
The myth of Atlantis may have served to endorse ideologies, such as the concept of "translatio imperii", where the greatness of one civilization is passed on to another , but also as a cautionary tale against the excesses of power.
Examples of medieval legends around Atlantis
Tales from chroniclers and poets
From Wace's "Roman de Brut" to Dante's "Divina Commedia", Atlantis figures in various forms in medieval literature and poetry.
Link with the Crusades and the quest for Paradise
The idea of an ideal but lost place, reminiscent of Atlantis, has sometimes been entangled with accounts of the Crusades and the search for a holy land on Earth.
Medieval cartographers were influenced by the idea of Atlantis, sometimes depicting on their maps as an unknown island or mysterious land .
The reception of Atlantis legends after the Middle Ages
The Renaissance and the rediscovery of ancient texts
The Renaissance period, with its return to classical sources, saw a rediscovery and new appreciation of stories relating to Atlantis.
The Age of Discovery and the quest for Atlantis
The great maritime explorations were partly motivated by the search for unknown lands, and Atlantis occupied a special place in the minds of the navigators and patrons of the time.
Atlantis in the modern era - from legend to pseudo-science
In the modern era, the myth of Atlantis has toppled between legend and pseudo-scientific theories, provoking lively debate and a host of research exploring its potential historical authenticity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Atlantis has stood the test of time, evolving from a simple allegory by Plato to a complex cultural palimpsest. The fascination for this lost city remains, embodying our eternal quest for origins and lost civilizations.
References
Primary sources
- Plato's dialogues ("The Timaeus" and "The Critias")
- Medieval chronicles and poems referring to Atlantis
Secondary studies and analyses
- Works by historians specializing in medieval legends and the myth of Atlantis
- Academic articles dealing with the transmission of ancient texts in the Middle Ages
Appendix
Medieval maps depicting Atlantis
Illustrations of medieval world maps with the possible representation of Atlantis.
Copies of texts and translations relating to Atlantis
Extracts from medieval texts or transcriptions of historical accounts relating to Atlantis.