The Egyptian priest began to tell Solon about Athens nine thousand years ago. There, priests, artisans, farmers, and those who handled military affairs each fulfilled their duties, and wisdom was cultivated from the order of the universe to medicine.

Eventually, the story will shift to Atlantis Island, which was located beyond the Pillars of Hercules, and its powerful kingdom. How did ancient Athens confront a large army that attempted to invade Europe and Asia?

Dialogue Text

It is said that Solon, upon hearing this, was astonished and requested the priests to tell him everything in detail about the ancient citizens, one by one, showing great enthusiasm.

Critias (Continued) The priest said:

There is no reason for me to hesitate to speak with you. Let us speak, for your sake, for the sake of your city, and above all, for the sake of the goddess who has allotted, nurtured, and educated both your city and this one. The goddess received and raised your people from Gaia and Hephaestus a thousand years before your city. This city came later. According to the records in our temple, this city was established eight thousand years ago. Therefore, I will now reveal to you, through a brief account of the law, about the citizens who lived nine thousand years ago, and about their most beautiful deeds.

Critias (Continued) The details will be examined in more detail on another occasion, by taking the records themselves and checking them sequentially. First, compare the laws with our own laws. Many of the systems that existed among you at that time can be found here now. Firstly, the priests are distinguished from other people.

Critias (Continued) Next, there are the classes of artisans. Each person performs their own work and does not mix with other trades. Furthermore, there are the classes of shepherds, hunters, and farmers. And you will also notice that the race of warriors is separated from all other races here. By law, they were ordered to engage only in warfare. Their weapons are shields and spears. We were the first among the people around Asia to adopt this armament, but on your land, it was the goddess who first showed it.

Critias (continued). Furthermore, regarding wisdom, you will understand how much consideration was given from the very beginning by this law. They contemplated the order of the universe and, from there, discovered things that were divine in nature, such as divination and medicine, which were beneficial for human health, and they also mastered all other disciplines that followed.

Critias (Continued): "The goddess, having prepared and organized everything in this way, settled you there at that time. She chose the land where you were born because she foresaw that its climate would be mild and conducive to producing very thoughtful people. The goddess loved war and cherished wisdom. Therefore, she selected a land that would produce people with qualities most suitable for her, and first established them there."

Critias (Continued) You used such laws, and were even more governed by law, and lived in a way that surpassed all other peoples of humanity in virtue. This was natural, since you were the descendants of gods and had received your education from them. Many great deeds accomplished by your city are recorded here and inspire awe. But among all these, one stands out for its size and virtue. According to records, your city once prevented a vast army that set out from beyond the Pillars of Hercules with the intention of conquering Europe and Asia simultaneously.

Critias (Continued). At that time, the sea there was navigable. There was an island in front of what you call the Pillars of Hercules, and this island was larger than both Libya and Asia combined. From there, those who sailed at that time could reach other islands, and from those islands, they could cross to the entire continent on the opposite side surrounding that true sea. This side, which we call the interior, appears like a harbor with a narrow entrance. But the other side is the real sea, and the land surrounding it is what can truly be called a continent.

Critias (Continued). On that island of Atlantis, a powerful and remarkable ruling force had established itself. They controlled the entire island, as well as many other islands and parts of continents. Moreover, they ruled from Libya to Egypt, and from Europe to Tyrrhenia. This entire power base united together and planned to conquer your land, our land, and all the lands within your reach, enslaving them all at once.

Critias (Continued). At that time, Solon, the power of your city was revealed to all mankind through virtue and courage. Your city stood at the forefront in every aspect of valor and warfare. Sometimes you led the Greeks, and sometimes, because others rebelled, you fought alone. And after reaching the final danger, you defeated those who invaded, erected a monument to victory, prevented those who had not yet been enslaved from becoming slaves, and generously liberated all of us living within the Pillars of Heracles.