TGR 08.13.18. Atlantis: Fact, Philosophy, and Fantasy

This week on The Gralien Report, in celebration of Left Handed Day we look at a number of famous thinkers from over the ages who were lefties (or “southpaws” as Micah might say) before turning our attention to news, which includes certain varieties of poisonous animals that are making their way further north, apparently in response to climate changes. Then looking halfway across the world, what are the unusual “stone circles” that have been spotted by Google Earth users in various parts of the Gobi Desert? Leading theories include the idea that these mysterious monuments were built by sun worshippers, although they bear a remarkable similarity to the ancient “Medicine Wheels” found here in North America.

We also check in with our friend George Howard, in a segment where we look at how proxy data–that is, things like core samples from sediment layers, lake beds, glaciers, and other natural features can tell us fascinating (and sometimes controversial) things about the ancient world. Could certain anomalies found in proxy data of this sort also point to an ancient cataclysm that happened around 12,700 years ago?

Then in hour two, we travel back in time to Ancient Greece, where we revisit the writings of Greek philosopher Plato, and the fascinating account given by his character Critias regarding the ancient scholar Solon’s journey to Egypt, where he was purportedly told by an elderly priest about the greatest achievement of the people of Athens. This, of course, involved the strange “history” of Atlantis, an odd passing reference made by Plato which spurred interest in one of the most lasting mythologies of all time. Is there any truth to the Atlantis story, and if not, why do scholars dispute it? We will see what the primary Platonic documents say about Atlantis, and get one noted expert on pseudoarchaeology to weigh in on the matter for us, as we seek to resolve this lasting mystery of history and archaeology.