Discovery Of Atlantis
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Discovery Of Atlantis
Robert Sarmast’s "Discovery of Atlantis" is a bold attempt to map the unmappable, arguing for a physical, rather than purely allegorical, Atlantis. The book’s strength lies in Sarmast’s relentless pursuit of evidence, meticulously assembling disparate pieces of information from geological surveys, ancient seafaring routes, and Plato's dialogues themselves. He compellingly argues for a specific location, moving beyond vague myth to concrete geography. However, the work's limitation is its reliance on a singular interpretation of complex data, often presenting conjecture as established fact. A particularly striking point is Sarmast’s examination of potential Atlantean technological remnants, which, while speculative, is presented with an earnestness that invites consideration. Ultimately, "Discovery of Atlantis" offers a provocative re-evaluation for those willing to entertain unconventional historical hypotheses.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Robert Sarmast's "Discovery of Atlantis" presents a controversial thesis regarding the lost continent's true location and its profound influence on global civilization. Published initially in 2009, the work posits that Atlantis was not a mythical island but a tangible, technologically advanced society whose remnants have been systematically overlooked or suppressed. Sarmast meticulously compiles archaeological findings, ancient texts, and geological data to construct his argument, challenging conventional historical narratives.
### Who It's For This book is aimed at readers with a keen interest in alternative history, ancient mysteries, and speculative archaeology. It will appeal to those who question mainstream interpretations of the past and seek evidence for lost civilizations. Individuals fascinated by Plato's account of Atlantis, but who desire a more empirical and geographically grounded investigation, will find Sarmast's approach particularly engaging.
### Historical Context Sarmast's work emerged in an era where interest in Atlantis, fueled by figures like Ignatius Donnelly in the late 19th century and later by Edgar Cayce, continued to thrive in esoteric and fringe historical circles. "Discovery of Atlantis" seeks to anchor these speculative traditions in a more concrete, albeit contested, geographical and historical framework. The book implicitly engages with the academic dismissal of Atlantis as pure myth, offering a counter-narrative based on Sarmast's own extensive research and interpretation of data.
### Key Concepts The central tenet is the identification of a specific, submerged geographical area as the historical seat of Atlantean civilization. Sarmast introduces concepts related to Atlantean technology, societal structure, and their alleged global impact before a catastrophic event led to their demise. The book also explores the potential for modern archaeological discovery and the implications of uncovering such a civilization.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn about Sarmast's proposed geographical location for Atlantis, moving beyond Plato's vague descriptions to a specific, evidence-backed hypothesis, offering a tangible locus for ancient mystery. • Understand the author's methodology for correlating geological data, ancient cartography, and textual analysis, providing a framework for evaluating alternative historical claims. • Explore the potential societal and technological advancements attributed to Atlanteans, challenging conventional timelines of human development and offering new perspectives on ancient capabilities.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What specific geographical area does Robert Sarmast propose as the location of Atlantis?
Robert Sarmast's "Discovery of Atlantis" suggests that the Atlantean civilization was located in a specific submerged region, which he details through his analysis of ancient texts and geological data, aiming to pinpoint a verifiable historical site.
When was Robert Sarmast's "Discovery of Atlantis" first published?
The initial publication of "Discovery of Atlantis" by Robert Sarmast occurred in 2009, marking its entry into the discourse on ancient mysteries and lost civilizations.
What ancient sources does Sarmast primarily rely on for his Atlantis theory?
While drawing on various historical and geological sources, Sarmast's work heavily interprets Plato's dialogues, particularly the Timaeus and Critias, seeking to extract literal geographical and historical clues.
Does "Discovery of Atlantis" present Atlantis as a literal place or a metaphor?
Sarmast's "Discovery of Atlantis" argues strongly for Atlantis as a literal, historical, and geographically definable civilization, not merely an allegorical or philosophical construct.
What kind of evidence does the book offer for Atlantean technological advancement?
The book presents interpretations of archaeological anomalies, ancient engineering feats, and textual descriptions of Atlantean capabilities to suggest a level of technological sophistication beyond conventional historical understanding.
Is Robert Sarmast's theory about Atlantis widely accepted by mainstream historians?
No, Sarmast's theories, like many concerning Atlantis, remain outside mainstream historical and archaeological consensus, often considered speculative or fringe by academic institutions.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Atlantean Homeland
The book focuses intensely on identifying the precise geographical location of Atlantis, moving beyond Plato's narrative to propose a specific, submerged landmass. Sarmast correlates geological data, oceanographic surveys, and ancient geographical accounts to argue for a tangible homeland. This exploration challenges the notion of Atlantis as pure myth, presenting it as a lost geographical entity with a distinct history and place in the ancient world, potentially influencing subsequent civilizations.
Pre-diluvian Civilization
Sarmast posits Atlantis as a highly advanced civilization that predates known historical epochs, existing before a catastrophic global event. The work examines their purported societal structure, technological prowess, and cultural impact on early human development. This theme positions Atlantis not just as a lost city, but as a foundational civilization whose knowledge and influence were critical, yet largely erased or forgotten by mainstream history.
Suppressed Knowledge and Discovery
A significant aspect of the book is the implication that knowledge about Atlantis has been deliberately suppressed or overlooked by established academic and historical bodies. Sarmast frames his work as a rediscovery, an effort to bring suppressed evidence to light. This theme invites readers to question official historical narratives and consider the possibility of hidden truths about humanity's past waiting to be unearthed.
Plato's Literal Account
The work engages deeply with Plato's dialogues, Timaeus and Critias, interpreting them not as philosophical allegories but as literal historical accounts. Sarmast dissects Plato's descriptions of geography, society, and cataclysm to extract factual information. This approach to textual analysis is central to his argument, aiming to prove that Plato was relaying genuine historical records of a real place and people.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Plato's account was not myth, but history.”
— This statement encapsulates Sarmast's core thesis: that the story of Atlantis, as told by Plato, should be understood as a factual historical record rather than a philosophical fable or allegory.
“The evidence for a global catastrophe is undeniable.”
— This suggests that the destruction of Atlantis was not an isolated event but part of a larger geological or cosmological upheaval, a concept that aligns with various ancient flood myths and geological theories.
“We are uncovering a forgotten chapter of human civilization.”
— This highlights the author's perspective that his research aims to recover lost knowledge and history, positioning Atlantis as a crucial, yet deliberately obscured, part of humanity's collective past.
“The location of Atlantis can be mapped with precision.”
— This assertion underscores the book's central goal: to move beyond vague speculation and identify the precise geographical coordinates of the lost continent, grounding the myth in empirical data.
“Ancient texts hold the keys to lost technologies.”
— This interpretation suggests that the book explores not just the history and location of Atlantis, but also its advanced scientific and engineering capabilities, as hinted at in ancient writings.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not strictly adhering to a single esoteric lineage, "Discovery of Atlantis" resonates with the Theosophical and esoteric traditions that view Atlantis as a highly advanced, ancient civilization predating known history. It aligns with the concept of Root Races and cycles of civilization prominent in Theosophy, but Sarmast attempts to anchor these ideas in physical geography and empirical evidence, diverging from purely spiritual or mythological interpretations.
Symbolism
The primary symbol is Atlantis itself, representing a lost golden age, advanced knowledge, and a civilization tragically destroyed. Sarmast also implicitly engages with symbols of the cataclysm – floods, earthquakes – often found in global creation myths, suggesting a universal archetypal event. The search for Atlantis symbolizes humanity's quest for lost origins and hidden truths about its past.
Modern Relevance
Sarmast's work continues to inform contemporary discussions on ancient mysteries and alternative history. It influences researchers and enthusiasts exploring submerged lands, advanced ancient technologies, and non-mainstream historical narratives. The book's approach, blending textual analysis with geological speculation, is echoed in various online communities and fringe archaeological circles seeking to unearth forgotten chapters of human history.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Armchair archaeologists and alternative history enthusiasts seeking to explore compelling, though controversial, theories about lost civilizations. • Students of Plato and ancient philosophy interested in literal interpretations of his dialogues concerning Atlantis. • Readers fascinated by geological mysteries and the potential for submerged ancient sites, looking for a geographically focused exploration of the Atlantis legend.
📜 Historical Context
Robert Sarmast's "Discovery of Atlantis," published in 2009, entered a field already rich with speculation, notably influenced by Ignatius Donnelly's 1882 work "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World." Donnelly's book popularized the idea of Atlantis as a literal lost continent and a progenitor of global civilizations. Sarmast's contribution sought to advance this by proposing a specific geographical location and grounding it in more contemporary geological and archaeological interpretations, albeit still outside mainstream academic acceptance. The early 20th century saw figures like Theosophist Helena Blavatsky incorporate Atlantis into occult lore, further embedding it in esoteric thought. Sarmast's work implicitly engages with these traditions while striving for a more empirical presentation, distinguishing itself from purely mystical or pseudoscientific claims prevalent in earlier eras. The book's reception was met with skepticism by established historians and geologists, who often view Atlantis as a Platonic allegory rather than historical fact.
📔 Journal Prompts
The proposed Atlantean homeland: What specific geological features or textual clues cited by Sarmast are most compelling to you?
Plato's dual role as philosopher and historian: How does Sarmast's interpretation of the Atlantis dialogues challenge your understanding of his work?
The concept of a pre-diluvian civilization: Reflect on the implications if such an advanced society existed and was lost.
Evidence of suppressed knowledge: What criteria would you use to assess claims of historical cover-ups related to ancient civilizations?
The impact of cataclysm: Consider how a global destructive event might erase or alter the memory of a sophisticated society.
🗂️ Glossary
Atlantis
A legendary island civilization, first described by Plato, often depicted as highly advanced and ultimately destroyed by a cataclysm. Sarmast proposes a specific geographical location for this civilization.
Plato's Dialogues (Timaeus and Critias)
The primary ancient sources detailing the myth of Atlantis. Sarmast interprets these philosophical texts as literal historical accounts of a real place and people.
Cataclysm
A transformative, often destructive, event on a large scale. In the context of Atlantis, this refers to the sudden destruction that led to its disappearance.
Pre-diluvian
Referring to the time before a great flood or cataclysm. Sarmast places Atlantis in this ancient era, suggesting it was a civilization that existed before widespread historical records.
Esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. This book appeals to those interested in esoteric interpretations of history.
Alternative History
Historical narratives or theories that deviate from established academic consensus, often exploring lost civilizations or suppressed knowledge. Sarmast's work is a prominent example.
Geological Data
Information pertaining to the Earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it. Sarmast uses such data to support his proposed location for Atlantis.
