The originality of Plato’s works surrounded much debate. Many believe that he borrowed from the history of Gyges’ allegories and ideas. Although, others theorize that he was actually inspired by a variety of sources, such as the invasion of the Sea Peoples and the war of Troy.
The only possible inspirations for Plato at the time were real-life events like the destruction of Helike in the fourth century BC. However, there are still those who insist that his work was entirely original.
Missing The Point
After continental drift became an uncontested fact, scientists have repeatedly questioned the work of Plato and whether or not Atlantis really exists. One scholar named Julia Annas said, "The idea is that we should use the story to examine our ideas of government and power. We have missed the point if instead of thinking about these issues we go off exploring the seabed."
This was considered a wake-up call to many Atlantis theorists who subsequently had to reassess their research techniques.
Cultural Marvel
In the modern age, the enigmatic quality of the story of Atlantis captured the fascination and imagination of millions, with the concept of an underwater city in a variety of mediums.
Many films have revolved around the myth, like the animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire by Disney and the documentary Atlantis by Luc Besson. Additionally, the myth was used in the comics stories of Marvel and DC. However, it was actually the search for the ancient city that has sparked the greatest interest.
Was It The Mayans?
Many scholars eventually proposed a theory that was frightened by the masses. Mesoamerican theorists like Charles Etienne Brasseur de Bourbourg and August Le Plongeon elaborated detailed theories to suggest that either the Mayan or the Aztec civilizations had something to do with the creation of Atlantis.
The former traveled to the region in the 1800s and had what he thought was sufficient evidence after translating Mayan texts such as Popol Vuh.
A Huge Risk
Due to his unconventional theories, the reputation of Brasseur De Bourbourg has been greatly tarnished. This was mainly because he suggested that the Mayans were descendants of a people called the Toltecs, which he claimed to be the superior race that created Atlantis.
Though his depictions provoked and entertained the general consensus, scholars found his work purely speculative and deeply rooted in fantasy. Distinctly contrasted to these theories, one person's findings have recently been more credible.