Geography
One of the biggest questions over Atlantis is where it actually was. This today is still a great mystery, since nearly all ancient accounts could not place it (although there of course were many assumptions - even back then). Of all the Edgar Cayce readings, while there reveals many description over the appearance of Atlantis - none of these ever gave solid evidence as to where the "lost continent" existed.
However based on descriptions, we do know that Atlantis was a great island network, made up of 10 major islands and thousands of smaller ones. The ocean surrounding it was described as very treacherous - which is one hint that it may have been in the Atlantic ocean and not the Pacific (for in many cultures, the name given to the Pacific ocean was related to the word "calm").
In the northern islands the land was not very productive for agriculture, so these people evolved into great fishermen. It is said that some Atlanteans from the northern islands could stay under water "as if a dolphin" (even before the introduction of the "great experiments", which we will cover later). This would suggest that besides being great sailors - which Atlantis is of course known for - some from Atlantis had adapted to the ocean in a biological sense as well.
Cultural Divisions & Civil War In the south, in which a majority of the larger islands were located, were lush agricultural gardens and a civilization that was also more urban. It was in the southern most island that the largest city in Atlantis was build, which later was recognized to be the "representative city" for the entire continent, or capitol. The south produced many of the famous scientists, poets, and architects, while the north tended to produce many of the great craftsmen, sports heroes, and admirals.
The north and south also had very different cultures and religions, yet despite these did manage to united in the early periods to defend the island, and later to conquer the "outside world". However, after all the common enemies of Atlantis were defeated, the differences between north and south grew. This started as a strong cultural competitiveness (such as what you would see today between countries in business or at a football game) to a strong hatred - and civil war - when the south tried to impose it's political and scientific will over those in the north.
Before the second destruction of Atlantis (there were actually THREE "periods of destruction" in the history of Atlantis - the "sinking" of the entire continent into the ocean being the one most are familiar with) a great civil war broke out between the 3 islands of the north and an alliance of the other islands with the capitol. While there were of course many political differences, the event which actually "set off" the war was due to science!
Science gone "mad" As mentioned earlier, those from the north had evolved physically very rapidly in adapting to their environment. They were superior swimmers and had greater dexterity for athletics and in fighting (on land or the sea). One could say there was almost a cultural jealousy of those in the south to have these physical abilities as well - which they tried to obtain by science - and it was here the troubles really began.
The first sign of hostilities began when some in the north claimed that their relatives were kidnapped and used in scientific experiments by southern scientists. One report had a father finding parts of his son attached to a goat-like creatures, which gives the chilling picture of an ancient Frankenstein. Later reports showed the scientists were having some success, for there are accounts of those who actually survived after undergoing such horrible experiments - thus being half human and half animal.
However, once word got out to the public, there was an outcry for the experiments to stop - which they did.....officially. The experiments did continue, however after the protest under the strictest secrecy. Also, the nature of the experiments changed - rather than trying to create a race of physically superior beings (to defeat northerners in battle?) experiments were now done in finding ways to control the mind.
The Atlantis version of "mark of the beast" (666) The scientist from the south made a breakthrough in mind control just after the uproar from the "animal" experiments had died down. This device - called a "cressa" - looked and was worn like a contact lens, and would act as radio receivers and pick up transmissions from a huge machine that was programmed with the scientists "suggestions".
Realizing that any population would not accept these devices willing, they were first offered to the public as pleasure devices (for the scientists could transmit impulses that produced great feelings of pleasure, as well as beautiful images - besides the 'control instructions'). This turned out to be very successful, for the devices were very inexpensive and soon nearly everyone was wearing them - constantly - in many of the southern islands.
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