Key Concepts

Argument Explanation
Ancient Athenians and their achievements Critias presents a mythical account of the ancient Athenians and their remarkable achievements, including their victory over the powerful Atlanteans in a great war. This serves as a way to glorify Athens' past and instill a sense of pride in its citizens.
Ideal society and governance Through the description of ancient Athens, Plato outlines his vision of an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings who possess wisdom and virtue. This reflects his philosophical ideas about the perfect city-state as outlined in his other works, such as "The Republic."
Natural harmony and balance The portrayal of ancient Athens emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and maintaining a balance between human civilization and the natural world. This aligns with Plato's belief in the concept of moderation and avoiding excess.
Cyclical nature of history Critias suggests that history is cyclical, with civilizations rising and falling in a repeating pattern. This idea is presented through the notion that the ancient Athenians had achieved a high level of civilization before being brought down by natural disasters, implying that such cycles are inevitable.
Moral and philosophical lessons Throughout the dialogue, Critias weaves in various moral and philosophical lessons, such as the importance of virtue, wisdom, and moderation. These lessons are conveyed through the contrasting examples of the virtuous ancient Athenians and the hubris of the Atlanteans, who were ultimately brought down by their own excesses.

Quotes

Chapter Quote
1 "In the days of old, the gods had the whole earth distributed among them by allotment. There was no quarreling; for you cannot rightly suppose that the gods did not know what was proper for each of them to have, or, knowing this, that they would seek to obtain for themselves by contention that which more properly belonged to others."
2 "All these and other creatures had their being in the land of which I speak. But in addition to these, there never were men, or any other creatures of that race, either more numerous or better endowed, either in mind or in body."
3 "And they dwelt in the several best parts of the island, and were arranged in this way: in the centre of the whole island there was a plain which was said to be the fairest of all plains and very fertile."
4 "For they had from their forefathers provisions for the common week and the feasts, and they had chosen these places expressly with a view to the generation of abundance and comfort."
5 "All these, who as I was saying were the leaders of Hellenic civilization, they and others of Greek stock pass any on examination in peace and war. And their further progress may be dated from the time when the divine portion of their soul began to fade away and become diluted too often and too much with mortal admixture, and the human nature got the upper hand and they then, being unable to bear their fortune, behaved unseemly."

Contents

Section Summary
Introduction The dialogue begins with Socrates speaking to Timaeus, Critias, and Hermocrates. Critias takes the stage to recount a tale concerning an ancient, powerful civilization. He states that this story was handed down to him by his grandfather, who learned it from the Athenian lawgiver Solon.
Origin of Atlantis Critias tells of Atlantis, an island nation that was situated beyond the "Pillars of Hercules" (modern-day Strait of Gibraltar). The gods divided the world amongst themselves, and Poseidon was given the island of Atlantis. Poseidon fathered five pairs of twin sons with a mortal woman, Cleito, and divided the island among his ten sons, with the eldest, Atlas, becoming the first king.
Geography of Atlantis Critias provides a detailed description of Atlantis's geography. The island was vast and fertile, featuring a central plain with phenomenal resources. Mountains surrounded the plain, and the island boasted various natural resources, including precious metals, and a rich variety of wildlife.
City Structure The main city of Atlantis was designed with advanced engineering. It contained concentric rings of land and water, connected by bridges and canals. The central island held the palace and a temple dedicated to Poseidon and Cleito, showcasing the Atlanteans' architectural prowess and sophisticated urban planning.
Atlantean Society The society of Atlantis was highly organized and disciplined. The Atlanteans built impressive infrastructure including temples, harbors, docks, and a network of irrigation canals. Agriculture was highly developed, and they maintained a powerful navy and army, making them unmatched in their time.
Virtues and Decline Initially, the kings of Atlantis were virtuous and wise, living modestly and in harmony with divine laws. Over time, however, they became morally corrupt and greedy, seeking to expand their territory. Their excessive ambition led to conflicts, primarily with ancient Athens.
Athenian Defeat of Atlantis According to Critias, the ancient Athenians, representing an ideal society and military might, successfully repelled the Atlantean aggression. The clash between Athens and Atlantis showcased the virtues of the Athenians and the moral decay of the Atlanteans.
Destruction of Atlantis The story culminates in the divine punishment of Atlantis. Due to their moral failings and hubris, the gods decided to destroy Atlantis. Natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, sank the island into the ocean, erasing its existence and leaving only legends and myths of its grandeur.