Clypeus - 1984 - Vol 21 No 83

Magazine Overview

This issue of Clypeus, identified by the number 83, is dedicated to the theme of Atlantis, presented as "The Beginning of Knowledge and Civilization." The cover features an illustration of the Eye of Horus and a photograph of the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, with the title "CLYPEUS" prominently displayed. The issue is dated September 1925.

Preface by Gennaro D'Amato

The preface, written by Gennaro D'Amato from Bogliasco (Genoa) in September 1925, begins by acknowledging the success of a previous pamphlet, "Archaeological Documents of Atlantis and Their Repercussions in the Field of Knowledge," which was nearly exhausted. This success encouraged him to discuss further research into Atlantis, a subject considered by one thinker as "the keystone of all ascertained ethnic problems, of those unsolved, and of the new ones emerging in modern science."

D'Amato quotes a scholar who described Atlantis as "the central problem, terribly complex - because many branches of knowledge must contribute equally to the solution of such an important argument." D'Amato agrees, stating that until a unified approach is taken and the central point – the beginning of knowledge, which led to the beginning of civilization – is illustrated, progress will be hindered.

He asserts that this idea, which might seem utopian and contrary to general erudition, is in fact a reality demonstrated by archaeological documents brought to light by intense research in recent times. These discoveries have expanded our understanding of time and space. With these documents and the collaboration of renowned illustrators, false theories and errors about prehistory, particularly those concerning primitive art, can be corrected. These errors, he argues, stem from a historical narrative based on the instruction and logic of their time, without the revelatory documents of a "fundamental principle" that guided humanity's artistic conceptions from their origins.

D'Amato's passion for art spurred his study. He aims to contribute to science by analyzing the expressive thought in works of art, thereby revealing their informing spirit and assigning value to what might otherwise go unnoticed due to a lack of specialized training. He submits his work for the judgment of experts, hoping for further exploration and new discoveries in the field of knowledge.

He also expresses gratitude to those who, recognizing the importance of the subject, offered their opinions on his work "AVM" and the aforementioned pamphlet in scientific journals, magazines, and newspapers.

The Beginning of Knowledge and Civilization: Atlantis

The epigram chosen for the beginning of the text, "To make a book is less than nothing if the book made does not remake people," by G. Giusti, sets a tone for the discussion. The author suggests that this epigram might seem pretentious, but it serves to highlight errors in which humanity has fallen and from which it must liberate itself.

Recent archaeological research has revolutionized our understanding of prehistory, preparing us to better discern the origins of knowledge that led to civilization. The narrative of P. Schliemann's discovery of archaeological documents from Atlantis, the author argues, would not have garnered as much interest if it hadn't been viewed from this perspective. Despite its potential significance, the discovery was initially dismissed, possibly due to the proliferation of "discoverers of the world" in 1912. It did not gain traction in London, France, or even Germany, the homeland of the great archaeologist. However, the idea of Atlantis had been previously considered by the Jesuit P. Kircher in 1665, who linked the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde to its remnants.

Dr. G. Petella, a Ten. General Physician of the Royal Navy, in his monograph "A Excursion to Atlantis (from Plato to Schliemann)," suggests that P. Schliemann's account may have escaped scientific scrutiny because it was not published in a scientific journal. The author notes that contemporary scholars do not mention Atlantis. The astronomer Ab. T. Moreux, in "Is Atlantis Existent?", after examining all aspects of the problem, concludes that Atlantis scientifically existed in the quaternary period, at the location described by Plato, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean geological fractures meet.

Ml. Manzi, in "The Book of Atlantis," not only presents scientific evidence but also details the civilization and political history of the Atlanteans, describing them as reaching a level of grandeur comparable to modern civilization. He references Indian documents suggesting Atlanteans possessed flying machines and a form of electricity called "cril." Roger Dévigne, in "A Disappeared Continent: Atlantis. Sixth Part of the World," evokes a world of admirable palaces, powerful armies, and a magnificent priestly hierarchy. He states that no maritime or terrestrial dominion, not even the Roman Empire, matched the extent and unity of the Atlantean colonial and religious empire. Dévigne posits that the Atlantean world served as a bridge between the prehistoric age of stone and historical civilization. He questions how such a grand civilization could have left such scant traces, leading many scientists to deny its existence.

The author suggests that the time for the problem's maturity has now arrived, thanks to archaeological discoveries. If Plato's account had not been perceived as a fantastical tale, there would be fewer deniers of Atlantis. Plato himself, perhaps anticipating disbelief, described the story as "very strange, but true, as told by Sanchis to Solon, the wisest of the 7 Greeks."

The Origin of Writing and Geometric Cipher

The issue then shifts to the origins of writing, suggesting that the sculpted phrase attributed to Enr. Schliemann – "Atlantis is not just a continent, but the pivot of civilization" – should be fully valued. The author argues that if recent studies point to Atlantis as the starting point of civilization, then the origin of knowledge, and thus civilization itself, must be sought there.

The text questions how civilization could have formed without the aid of letters, which are presented as a primary invention of conscious humanity. It highlights the abundance of linear, alphabet-like signs and letters found in Paleolithic terrains globally, leading to the hypothesis of a geometric origin, as suggested by Petrie due to the commonality of signs across cultures.

The author claims to have discovered this geometric cipher and presented it in "AVM" in 1912 as the original source of all alphabets, syllables, numbers, and hieroglyphs. He posits that this geometric cipher is the "fundamental principle of human arts." This artist's study, based on archaeological evidence, refutes the De Rougè theory about the origin of letters. The author laments that even after 12 years, a "History of Writing" published in Germany perpetuates the outdated theory that letters derive from hieroglyphs.

The text criticizes Dr. Papus for his view that hieroglyphs preceded the development of the Egyptian hieratic script and then the Phoenician alphabet. The author, citing Dr. Petella and Dr. Giov. Moretti, asserts that the geometric cipher is the true origin, and that hieroglyphs are derived from it. He argues that the idea of a geometric origin for letters was already present in the work of Champollion, who demonstrated that Egyptian hieroglyphs, ideograms, and phonetic signs were part of a single writing system.

The author believes that if the excavations of later periods had been completed during Champollion's time, and if the possibility of letters originating from a geometric cipher had been recognized (as it was by Petrie), the theory of De Rougè, which delayed the understanding of the "fundamental principle of human arts" for 70 years, might have been avoided.

The text criticizes Dr. Papus for not recognizing the geometric cipher's role, suggesting that he, not being an artist, failed to see that Chinese and cuneiform scripts also stem from this mother cipher. Papus believed these scripts were direct transformations of an earlier ideographic script, possibly derived from Egyptian hieroglyphic language or another branch of Atlantean origin. The author expresses satisfaction that the idea of this common origin is beginning to be established, and that scholars are approaching the concept of the cipher, seeing the origin of the "Adamic script" in the form of constellations. These constellations, he notes, share lines with the same cipher used for zodiacal signs and the "Case of the Sky."

The author refutes Papus's assertion, based on Giamblico and Brière, that Egyptian sacred writing was neither alphabetic nor ideographic. He claims to have numerous examples to prove the opposite, presenting them as evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the existence and significance of Atlantis as the cradle of civilization and the origin of human knowledge. The magazine strongly advocates for the theory that Atlantis was a highly advanced civilization that predates known ancient cultures. A significant portion of the content is dedicated to challenging established views on the origin of writing, proposing a novel theory that links alphabets and hieroglyphs to a fundamental geometric cipher. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a re-evaluation of history and prehistory based on new archaeological evidence and a more unified, interdisciplinary approach to research. The magazine positions itself as a proponent of these groundbreaking ideas, aiming to correct what it perceives as long-standing errors in scientific and historical understanding.

This issue of "Il Popolo d'Italia," dated November 20, 1924, features a collection of articles exploring the concept of Atlantis and its profound influence on ancient civilizations, science, and knowledge. The publication delves into linguistic, mathematical, and astronomical evidence suggesting a highly advanced prehistoric civilization.

The Legacy of Atlantis The central theme revolves around the hypothesis that the lost continent of Atlantis was the cradle of human civilization and knowledge. The articles present arguments that various ancient cultures, including Egyptians, Indians, and the Maya, inherited their wisdom from Atlantean predecessors. The poet Costantino Balmont is quoted regarding the ruins of Chichen Itza, suggesting a connection to Atlantis. The text posits that civilizations like those of Chaldea, Assyria, Egypt, and Etruria were pale continuations of Atlantean civilization.

Linguistic and Symbolic Connections The issue examines linguistic roots and ancient symbols. The Egyptian word 'uà' (one) is linked to Sanskrit 'dva' and 'dua' (two), and Latin 'quatuor' (four), suggesting a common origin possibly related to the svastika and the cross. The svastika is described as an ideogram, monogram, and phonogram. The letter 'A' is highlighted as a significant symbol for the Egyptian priesthood, representing the Absolute Being, Unity, and Man.

The Great Pyramid of Giza: A Monument of Ancient Science A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Giza). The articles, referencing the work of astronomer Ab. T. Moreux and Piazzi-Smith, argue that the pyramid's construction reveals an astonishing level of scientific knowledge. Its dimensions and alignment are said to demonstrate a precise understanding of mathematics, astronomy, and geography, including the Earth's circumference, diameter, and its distance from the Sun. The pyramid's proportions are shown to relate to the number Pi (π) and the length of the year, suggesting that ancient Egyptians possessed knowledge that modern science had only recently discovered.

Evidence from Archaeology and Geology Archaeological findings and geological theories are presented as supporting the existence of Atlantis. The discovery of inscriptions on a vase from Mycenae, mentioned by Schliemann, is cited as evidence of Phoenician writing existing during the Atlantean period. Geologists like Prof. Ed. Hull and Termier are mentioned for their theories supporting a common center of life in the Atlantic, confirming a geological theory of a shared origin. The article also references the discovery of a sunken city near Tunisia, evoking the forgotten case of Atlantis.

The 'Red Race' and Ancient Migrations The text discusses the 'Red Race' as the natural instructors of humanity, linking them to the origins of Egyptian and Indian civilizations. It suggests that this race, possibly originating from Atlantis, migrated and influenced various cultures. The color of local races is linked to the naming of seas like the Red Sea and the Yellow Sea.

The Mystery of Ancient Knowledge and Initiation The issue explores the idea that ancient civilizations possessed a profound scientific understanding, which was often kept secret by religious castes through initiation rites. The "mystery" surrounding this knowledge is attributed to the secrecy employed by these groups. The article questions how ancient authors could have acquired such advanced knowledge, suggesting it was not solely through scientific means but possibly through divine revelation or traditions passed down from the earliest humans.

Comparative Civilizations and the Central Problem of Atlantis The articles compare various ancient civilizations, including those of Crete, Cambodia (Khmer), Aztec, Maya, and even African and Hebrew groups. The author A. O. Olivetti is quoted, highlighting the complexity of these interconnected problems and emphasizing that the "central problem" of Atlantis is nearing a solution, which could unlock the understanding of the origins of civilization and knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are the existence and influence of Atlantis, the advanced scientific and intellectual capabilities of ancient civilizations (particularly Egypt), the interconnectedness of ancient cultures through shared knowledge, and the idea that much of this knowledge was esoteric and passed down through secret traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the acceptance of Atlantis as a foundational element in understanding human history and the origins of civilization, challenging conventional historical narratives and emphasizing the need for further archaeological and scientific investigation into these ancient mysteries.

This issue of ATLANTE delves into the profound connections between ancient civilizations, focusing on linguistic and symbolic parallels that suggest a common, lost origin. The central thesis posits that the similarities observed in writing systems, iconography, and even language roots across disparate cultures point towards a single, ancient source, likely the legendary Atlantis.

Linguistic Affinities and the Atlantean Hypothesis

The article begins by posing a question: how can the writing from the prehistoric tumulus of Grave-Creeh on the Ohio River (USA) be similar to Phoenician and Etruscan characters? Furthermore, it questions the affinity between Maya script and Semitic characters, as well as letters found on pebbles in the Mas d'Azil caves (Pyrenees). The author, E. A. d'Albertis, suggests that these affinities can only be explained by a common point of culture, geographically located in Atlantis.

Iconographic Evidence: The Sphinx and Lechuza

Beyond writing, other artistic elements are presented as evidence. The pyramids of Egypt and Mexico are noted for their identical construction. More significantly, the Sphinx, described as an image of mysterious nature and living unity, is found in the iconography of all archaic peoples. The article mentions E. A. d'Albertis photographing a prototype of the Sphinx of Giza in Mexico. The presence of the Sphinx, along with symbols like the swastika and the cross, is seen as indicative of a shared religious principle related to life and death. The figure of 'Lechuza,' combining owl and serpent attributes (associated with Athena/Minerva), is also highlighted as a surprising image that finds its explanation through the memory of Atlantis.

Cataclysmic Events and Linguistic Roots

The article references the Egyptian tradition of a final cataclysm occurring 11,464 years ago and the Maya tradition of 11,460 years ago. It suggests these events merged into the legend of the Great Flood, with the Mexican account being the most similar to the biblical one, implying the flood legend predates the Atlantean cataclysm. Anthropological and ethnographic findings of great affinities between races of different continents and a kinship between Basques, Corsicans, and Tibetans are also mentioned, all purportedly preserving the tradition of their descent from Atlanteans.

Language as a Legacy of Atlantis

The text explores the linguistic connections further, proposing that Etruscans, or Raseni, might have origins in Perso-Assyria and that their language, like that of the Basques, remains incomprehensible. Glottological analysis suggests a potential kinship between the language of the Guanches (Canary Islands) and the Basques, and between Maya, Ligurian, and Greek. Ml. Manzi is quoted stating that the similarity between Greek and Maya is so great that an explorer exclaimed, 'Homer's Greek in America; is it a devil's invention?' The article posits that the Maya language belongs to a red-skinned people said to be descendants of Atlanteans, and that Greek itself is a derivation of Hebrew, originating from Egypt, which is also said to be descended from Atlantis. The primitive Hebrew is considered the sacred language of the red peoples, and both Greek and Maya are seen as derived from the mother language, Atlantean.

The name 'Chronos' or 'Saturn,' the 'first King of Italy,' is linked to 'King Chronos, ruler of Atlantis.' The Greek word 'Kronia' is suggested to be a corruption of 'Con' (column), which the Phoenicians used for the god Saturn. 'Conia' is presented as an ancient name for Italy, with its echo found in place names like Ancona, Cuneo, and Gascony (Guasconia). The suffix '-onia' appears in 'Ausonia,' another name for Italy, and a city in Iberia.

Etymological Exploration: 'Italus' and 'Atlantean' Roots

The article traces the name 'Italus' back to a king of Atlantis, son of Japhet and son-in-law of Cham, who reigned in Iberia. If Italy's name derived from Italus or Vitellius, sons of Atlante, it suggests Atlanteans brought knowledge and civilization. 'Italus' is linked to the Pelasgians, Pelach, and Pelash, possibly related to 'Alep-h,' and the word 'Alpe.' The Latin word 'ITAL' read backward becomes 'LATI,' from 'LATIUM,' which is proposed as a contraction of 'TLAVATLI' from the islands of Atlantis. The syllable 'Lat' is seen as containing 'ATL' (initial of ATLANT), meaning 'water' in the Aztec language, and 'AN' meaning 'near' or 'between.' This is applied to the Italian peninsula's geographical position. The word 'Yoni' is linked to the Lingam or Hom, symbolizing humanity born from earth and water.

Symbols, Letters, and the Divine

The article discusses the syllables TIL, TAL, TEL, relating them to words like 'LIT' (stone), 'LAT' (quarry), and 'LET' (mud, clay), connecting them to the material origin of beings. It mentions the Etruscans depicting the deceased in terracotta on funerary beds, interpreting this as an ancient understanding of the earth as a cemetery of petrified organic matter. The concept of 'Ade' (underworld) is linked to the 'root' (Dha) of the tree of life, and 'Adam' as a product of 'Ade,' representing sediments and roots.

The 'Sepher-Jesirah' and Geometric Symbols

Reference is made to the 'Sepher-Jesirah,' which describes the 22 Hebrew letters as being placed on a sphere, capable of rotating to signify good or its opposite. This formation is said to create 231 'gates' found in all languages, from which all creation proceeds. The article connects this to geometric symbols, including the swastika and sauvastica, which are presented as preserving the sense of the 'crooked sphere' and the cipher. These symbols are claimed to be the origin of all alphabetic letters and human languages. The author asserts that in 'AVM,' they demonstrated the geometric equivalence of these ciphers, where four equidistant points on a circumference form a square, sharing the center and radius with the circle. The circle symbolizes God, and the square symbolizes man, representing the 'creature' with outstretched arms.

The Nature of Language and Primitive Speech

The text challenges the notion that primitive humanity could speak without letters, suggesting that language was not created by humans in a savage state but was organized from the beginning with roots and structure, including a written, non-hieroglyphic character. The author criticizes the focus on analyzing words into roots and affixes without understanding the origin of the words themselves, using the Egyptian example of 'Baiez' (spirit) being divided into 'Bai' (soul) and 'eth' (heart) but questioning how these words originated and combined.

The Cipher and its Significance

The cipher is presented as a symbol of the concrete and abstract, revealing the influence of geometric lines on early scholars. The circle symbolizes God, and the square symbolizes man. The article discusses the phonetic signs derived from geometric lines, particularly the central lines of the cipher, which form the 'sign of signs.' These lines, THAV or Tau, are suggested to represent sounds like I, T, t, H, capable of distinguishing and depicting the central organ, the vital source from which animated beings' blood vessels radiate. These sounds are linked to the word 'ATHMA' (soul).

The Divine and the Origin of Words

The article explores the etymology of 'eth,' linking it to the vocalic and consonantal sounds that form the word 'Baieth.' 'Eth' is interpreted as expressing motion, heartbeat, and affection, along with aspiration (H). 'Bai' is said to originate from the vision of the cipher, with 'B' as the base and 'I' as the perpendicular, forming a cross (TH, E, T, H). In Kabbalistic tradition, 'Bai' was a term for the rational soul. The word 'Ba' is presented as the opposite of 'AB' (origin, principle, cause), with 'I' symbolizing the potential manifestation of Eternity. The letter 'I' is seen as symbolizing God in the East and expressing 'to go,' while the horizontal line represents passivity. The primitive distinction between 'ire' (to go) and 'stha' or 'sta' (to stand, to remain) is discussed, linking it to the visual representation of stasis or obstacles.

The 'Dha' Root and the Tree of Life

The Indian grammarians' term 'Dhátu' (root) is discussed, derived from 'Dhá' (to nourish), appropriate for indicating 'any primary or elementary substance.' This is seen as the primary element of words that receive their nourishing substance from language. The article critiques the idea that primitive humanity spoke without letters, suggesting that language was created by conscious individuals and then disseminated.

Geometric Representation of Sounds and Concepts

The article argues that each word, however simple, is like a geometric or mathematical theorem. The sign 'M,' considered equivalent to 'B,' is said to represent multiple sounds useful for imitation, depiction, and distinguishing things. The author contends that the origin of language has a scientific basis, with geometric and symbolic value preserved in nomenclature. The discovery of letters is hailed as a precursor to intellectual triumph, challenging the notion that pictography and hieroglyphs preceded letters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the search for a unified origin of human civilization, language, and symbolism, with Atlantis serving as the primary candidate. The editorial stance strongly supports the idea that ancient cultures were interconnected through a shared, advanced civilization, and that linguistic and symbolic evidence provides compelling proof of this connection. The article advocates for a deeper, scientific understanding of language origins, moving beyond empirical analysis to uncover the underlying symbolic and geometric principles that shaped human communication and thought.

This issue of Clypeus, dated August 1984, is the 83rd fascicle of the 21st year of publication. The magazine is directed and edited by Gianni V. Settimo in Turin, Italy. It publishes articles on history, geography, art, archaeology, literature, and folklore, with a focus on promoting knowledge and appreciation of the Piedmont region, Valle d'Aosta, Liguria, and Provence (Occitania).

The magazine relies on the voluntary and free collaboration of scholars and experts. Articles bearing signatures are the responsibility of their respective authors, while unsigned articles are compiled by the editorial staff. The publisher reserves all rights to published material and requires written consent for reproduction, with mandatory citation of the author and the magazine.

The Mystery of Ancient Symbols and Atlantis

The issue prominently features discussions on ancient symbols and the lost continent of Atlantis. It begins by questioning the origin and meaning of identical symbols found across diverse and distant regions, such as Scotland, Dordogne, Altamira, and Australia, dating back to the Stone Age. The article critiques the conventional belief that these were mere tribal markings, suggesting they represent a deeper, universal concept.

A collaborator's query from "La Tribuna illustrata" (August 2, 1925) is cited, questioning the purpose and meaning behind these mysterious primordial carvings. The article posits that these symbols, particularly circles with or without central points, are not simply 'cup-and-ring marks' as labeled by archaeologists, but rather representations of the 'Sphere,' symbolizing God, the creator of the universe, and the Earth itself.

The spiral is highlighted as a testament to ancient knowledge of world formation, with references to the Korean Swastika and the Chinese Yin-Yang (T'Ai-Kih) symbolizing the 'First Principle' or 'Great Absolute.' The magazine criticizes modern science for dismissing these as 'mystical' and 'negligible,' while readily accepting theories like Atlantis as mere 'fantasies.'

Symbolism in Art and Mythology

The article delves into how ancient peoples, particularly those considered 'primitive,' possessed profound knowledge. It argues that the lack of artistic education prevents modern scholars from understanding the spirit of ancient imagery and its connection to concepts like the geroglific Sun symbol and the Lingam.

The Lingam, described as the most ancient idol, is presented as a symbol of the 'golden eye' and penetrating vision. The magazine questions whether art history has truly penetrated the symbolic spirit of primitive cultures, suggesting that the ideas of the time shaped artistic conceptions. The stylized figures in archaic art are explained as representing the Lingam, symbolizing the creation of man from earth and water.

It is noted that some cultures excluded human figuration, resorting to symbols. The art of peoples who developed artistic qualities earlier remained connected to religious symbolism, even when highly sophisticated, as exemplified by Phidias' inspiration from Homer for his statue of Jupiter.

Ancient Chronologies and Scientific Interpretation

The issue examines ancient chronologies, particularly those found in the Bible and Babylonian texts, contrasting them with modern scientific understanding. It critiques the tendency to interpret ancient texts literally, without considering allegorical or symbolic meanings.

Jean Astruc's 1753 application of critical analysis to the Pentateuch is mentioned, leading to attempts to reconcile Mosaic accounts with science. The magazine asserts that the Bible, like the Pyramid of Cheope, contains symbolic language representing profound human knowledge.

It argues that errors in interpretation stem from commentators and system-builders, not from the ancient texts themselves. The magazine criticizes modern scholars for scoffing at the 'six days' of creation or the long lifespans of patriarchs, suggesting that ancient scientists may have used these chronologies allegorically to represent approximate ages of great terrestrial evolutionary cycles.

Geological evidence is presented, with the understanding that geological formations are layered chronologically, corresponding to successive periods of terrestrial organic history. The earth is described as a cemetery of petrified organic remains.

The Geological Timescale and Human Origins

The magazine presents a table of geological terrains, illustrating the progression from primordial periods to the Cretaceous era, when human life supposedly emerged. It links the legendary ages of nine kings or patriarchs to allegorical representations of geological periods.

The article highlights the symbolic expression of reality, suggesting that ancient astrology, astronomy, and mathematics originated from a 'cipher' that served as a source of numbers and writing. It claims that evidence of this ancient 'literal writing' exists on monuments of high antiquity.

The Principle of Knowledge and Atlantis

The issue concludes by emphasizing the 'Principle' that underlies all human arts and sciences, which was once occult but is now becoming apparent. It suggests that this principle, rooted in natural laws, originated in a conscious, restricted society, possibly from the first great human intelligence that flourished in a paradisiacal corner of the Earth.

This principle, though transformed, still exists in the world. The article expresses regret for the potential loss of this knowledge and gratitude to the Atlanteans, to whom the world owes the beginning of knowledge and civilization. It cites various sources supporting the existence of Atlantis and its pivotal role in civilization, referencing archaeological findings by Schliemann.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the profound wisdom encoded in ancient symbols, the historical and cultural significance of Atlantis, and the critique of modern scientific approaches that dismiss ancient knowledge. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a deeper, symbolic interpretation of ancient texts and artifacts, recognizing a continuity of knowledge from prehistoric times to the present, with Atlantis playing a foundational role in human civilization and understanding.