Q 01/05

Which philosopher's works are the only primary sources for the story of Atlantis?

A) Aristotle

B) Homer

C) Herodotus

D) Plato

Answer · why

D) Plato

Every later mention of the island traces back to two of his dialogues.

Q 02/05

In which two dialogues does the story of Atlantis appear?

A) Timaeus and Critias

B) Meno and Gorgias

C) Phaedo and Symposium

D) Republic and Laws

Answer · why

A) Timaeus and Critias

Only Critias actually tells the tale, though Socrates and Hermocrates are also present.

Q 03/05

The Greek name Atlantis literally means what?

A) Western sea

B) Island of Atlas

C) Sunken land

D) City of the sea-god

Answer · why

B) Island of Atlas

Atlas, eldest son of the island's divine founder, was made its first king, and the ocean was named for him too.

Q 04/05

Plato says the story reached Greece through which Athenian lawgiver, who heard it from priests in Egypt?

A) Cleisthenes

B) Pericles

C) Solon

D) Draco

Answer · why

C) Solon

The dialogues claim he visited Egypt between 590 and 580 BC and translated the records.

Q 05/05

According to Plato, Atlantis lay beyond what landmark?

A) The Cape of Storms

B) The Pillars of Hercules

C) The Nile Delta

D) The Bosporus

Answer · why

B) The Pillars of Hercules

The Pillars are usually taken as the Strait of Gibraltar, though some argue they once meant the Gulf of Laconia.