by W. P. Phelon

Tlana, Scribe of the Mighty Three, to whom it has been given strictly in charge so to do, herein write the history of my beloved country. This is to be for the instruction and enlightenment of my people. I demand for this undertaking, the necessary assistance and guidance from the Brotherhood of both the Invisible and the Visible, so soon to become of the Invisible; from the gods of Wisdom and Power, and from the Supreme Ruler of All, that I may secure that which is best and most instructive concerning the actions and conditions of our nation from its beginning to now. (About 29,000 B. C.)

Our Continent follows the general outline of all the others now in manifestation upon the Earth. It is about 1,000 miles broad at its widest point, and 3,000 miles long at its longest dimension. The surface is mostly level, consisting of vast fertile plains. But to the West, North and East the country becomes mountainous. From these mountains, as a water shed, a river with its branches drains nearly the whole length of the Continent. Its waters, diverted through an artificial canal and locks, forms the great port of the City of Atlantis, which extends from this canal, northeast of the central portion of the continent, quite up to the foothills of the elevated portion of the country. Among these mountains has been built the Great Temple dedicated to OM., who is the ONE, the All.

Our records fail to give us any information of the beginning of man’s occupancy here, and it is only through the power of perception of our wise men that we gain any idea of that beginning. It is sufficient to say, when the Fifth Race men needed a home for their unfolding, they found it here. Their unfolding has been along the lines of the strongest development. We may therefore simply describe the conditions now existing as the outcome of the thought-forces of the most powerful nation of the known world.

The fertility of our soil is unparalleled any where upon the earth. Our difference of elevation above the sea level gives variety to our climate, and whatever grows other withers on the globe, will grow here also, in the greatest luxuriance and perfection. We have no need to import anything grown out of the ground from other nations.

Our supplies of minerals from the bosom of the earth are incomparable in their amount and abundance. We have all metals found any where upon the surface of the earth. We also have one, of which none has ever been discovered in any other country. It possesses the ductility and color of copper and the strength of iron. We have named it Orichalcum.

The fauna holds every species of animal, which from here has been carried to all parts of the earth, there to find a new habitat and become of use to the children of men either for labor or pleasure. This was the center of distribution. Whatever knowledge or wisdom on this line experience has given them, they have freely passed it on to those who stood in need of it. In short, whatever mankind possesses in any degree anywhere, we also possess in vast abundance, far beyond our needs. Never has any State, Nation or Potentate ever before concentrated so much of wealth; that is, surplus of supplies of all kinds, as we hold today.

No word but immense, will truly describe our public works. No nation has even dreamed of a Temple like ours, much less built one. The private residences of our citizens, even of the poorer sort, outshine in beauty of design and suitableness of material the kings of many other nations. Do not consider that I am seeking to belittle others or to extol ourselves, but I am stating as fully and as candidly as I can, that which is really the fact, as I now write.

The mountains have springs of hot and cold water which act as natural reservoirs. From them the water is conveyed by stone pipes to the public baths and to the private residences of such citizens as choose to avail themselves of the privilege under certain conditions.

In the center of the city are the royal palaces, and these are protected by three immense canals, which are built entirely around them, with two intervening zones of land. These canals are connected with the Great Sea by another canal 300 feet wide and 100 feet deep and six miles long to connect with the port.

The Great Temple is in the northeast part of the city. Its lofty tower bearing upon its top, the finest observatory ever yet built, occupies the northeast quarter of the Temple grounds. This and the Temple itself is protected from attack on the North, East and West by the mountains, which serve both as a defense and a foundation to hold up the massive structures built upon them.

From the mountains the city of cities extends in a circular form southward. Beyond the immense area occupied by the city proper is still another, comprising upwards of 75,000 square miles, which has been cultivated from time immemorial, and is in fact one vast garden. This is liberally irrigated from the river and from a canal 600 feet in width and 100 feet deep, extending through the country 1,200 miles. Not only are these waters used for irrigation, but through a system of locks at the port, galleys are raised and lowered into the grand canal, where they both receive and distribute cargoes of all kinds of products in the interests of commerce.

It is hardly necessary to mention that the population of this plain and the mountains is many millions. Never will there be so many people gathered in the same place at the same time, so say our prophets and Magi.

Nor must I forget to say that the volume of our population is increased by the fact that owing to the dominance of the life-giving power of the spirit, which has not been weakened yet to any great extent there are three or four generations of men upon the earth at the same time, all strong and vigorous. As the necessary supplies for the maintenance of the body at its best, are in the greatest profusion, nature in no sense retards the increase of population, but would support to the utmost limit the most prolific increase possible.

During the day the myriad sounds of voice and action that arise over the docks and the quarters of the city devoted to labor is like the roar of a tornado on the sea, hurling itself against the embattled rocks.

The Atlantian galleys have reached every port and nation under the whole broad heaven. They have laid the entire surface of earth under tribute to our commerce. We have no need to ask another nation for anything we have not. But they seek from us the fruits of our soil and our incomparable bronze manufactures, in whose production our artisans have become very expert, especially in clubs, axes, knives and swords.

The barbarians of the Eastern world have never been able to make these things for themselves, and as the material and tempering of our artisans are very fine, we find market for all we can possibly offer. The only article of which we fail in making the supply equal to the demand is a bright yellow metal, which offers a powerful resistance to the action of the elements. It is eagerly sought for purposes of decoration, both of building and persons. The total product of our own mines is thus appropriated, and our traders have discovered that it exists in other parts of the world. So they seek it everywhere, and when found offer our own products in exchange for it. When they bring it home they are offered certain immunities and privileges in addition to the market value for it. Thus, in a way, it has become a measure of value, not only with us, but with all the nations of the earth. It is predicted by our Magi that this peculiar condition, through the foul greed of man, will grow into a calamity for the whole race. The desire upon which its gathering by us is founded will become irrepressible and destructive in the more physical nations in the years to come. As, however, our nation has done no intentional wrong and have tried to deal justly, they can hardly be considered responsible for any such evil. It is also true that if evil does come upon the race we shall be forced to meet it in the long ages yet to come, as we are again called to face in new bodies the lives allotted to us. Thus far, strained intensity for acquisition has not acquired force enough to injure us in our development on any line.

We are not a nation of flesh eaters, for the warmth of our climate does not compel the concentration of food sought in the use of flesh. It is because we are not bound to the soil in our efforts to overcome the circle of necessity that we can give so much time to the study of the real forces and facts of the universe, and the methods by which they could be made useful to themselves.

At the North are three high mountain peaks, which have become landmarks for all seafaring men. In the way of review of what I have written, permit me to take my future readers to the highest summit of the great peak Alyhlo, and from thence point out the paradise of mountain and valley, hill and plain, interspersed with broad plateau. These are covered with tropical vegetation bearing all kinds of edible fruits known to man throughout the whole circle of the year. Limped streams from the mountainsides water a large portion of this vast district.

Nor is this all, for the whole picture is dotted thick with substantial dwellings, hamlets and towns. But above all, is the capital as a center of interest, and an exchange of thought, so wide, so far-reaching, that all the other centers in the whole country seem but suburbs.

Notice also the varied greens of the vegetation and the blue of the sky, so clear and so perfect, as yet undisturbed in its vibrations by the shock of either offense or defense. Beyond these can be seen the canal leading to the land-locked sea and the great port with its fleets of arriving and departing galleys from every quarter of the globe. These galleys move neither by sail nor oar, nor any impulsion of elemental force. Surmounting all these our Magi have imparted the secret of etheric impulse born of thought, and against this, wind nor tide have no power. It is the fairest land that man in all his generations thus far has ever seen.

The change of condition from life to death is one accepted and welcomed by our people; not in any sense feared, because during their long continued existence the monotony of physical life is fully satisfied and the only inducement for accepting prolongation is the increasing of the spirit’s force and potency, with which we are well acquainted and fully educated as to its limitless possibilities.

Our place as carriers for the world, has for many years been acknowledged. On all seas and in every port are the galleys that supply the world’s marts, flying the Atlantian flag a winged globe in blue on a yellow ground. It therefore happens in our ample harbor, the myriad swarms of shipping, although loaded with the products of the whole earth are ours.

The sailors of other nations dare not move out into the vast wastes of waters, separating the different countries one from another.

Great warehouses lie along the water’s edge, which is bordered from the sea, for many miles into the interior, by immense, solidly-built walls. These are raised high enough to be above any high-water mark of either flood from the interior or tide from the ocean. But floods were rather the result of changes in the amount of drainage, for the melting of snow on the mountains or increase of amount from suddenly precipitated vapor, was a thing of but slight importance.

The capital is connected with all parts of the kingdom by iron tramways, upon which enormous loads are moved by a motive force, whose secret only our Magi know. But the obedient force moves back and forth, drawing and pushing, as it is bidden by its controller, the heavily laden wagons, to which it is harnessed.

The whole city is built of a pure white marble, taken from quarries in the Northern Hills, whose supplies are used not only for building at home, but also for export. So fine is the grain and so elegant the polish that the blocks are used over and over in rebuilding in the cities of the Mediterranean. This stone cannot endure the extremes of temperature of the Northern climate, but is amply strong for all that may be demanded under an Atlantian sky.

From what I have already said, perhaps it will be plain, the city is laid out like a disc, with a segment wanting, where it is fitted against the foothills of the Northern mountain ranges.

Broad avenues in semicircle begin at the mountains and end in the mountains. These are crossed at regular intervals by other avenues, forming the radii of the circle, the center of which is the King’s palace. There is no ownership of land, save in the King’s name as the representative of the nation. It is held by our Magi, that no man can own anything in which his own labor, or some representative thereof, does not constitute a component part. All articles of handiwork therefore can be claimed by the contributors thereto, but man has not, and can never attain, ownership in the four great elements of manifestation fire, air, water, earth. If he ever shall attempt it, disaster and degradation will attend the attempt. If a man builds a house or plants a tree, or cultivates a crop, then the house or tree or harvest belong to him, and he should be protected in his right to enjoy fully, all that can come from his labor.

All lands are parceled out by lot, and the improvements only, have a price. He who would like his neighbor’s location must, with his neighbor’s consent, buy the improvements, but the land has no more value than the air about it.

The houses are built for convenience and comfort. Every family owns its own home, and when a young man takes to himself a wife, he has a portion of land assigned him, under conditions which make equable all inequalities of place, quality or surroundings. No crowding is allowed, not even in the thickest part of the city. The buildings are of permanent material, fashioned to let in the air and light. The underlying principle is a central open court, with the living rooms all about it. This plan is modified in many ways to suit the individualities and needs of the owners.

The court is entered by a broad gate, swinging easily on its ample fittings. In the center a pool with an overflowing fountain to prevent stagnation, cools the air and helps modify the vibrations. The water was supplied by an aqueduct from the mountains. This was so old that no Atlantian of the present people can give its age. But there are records in the archives of the Temple concerning the planning of the huge undertaking and the manner of its accomplishment. About this pool the building stands, generally two stories, so supported on pillars, as to form no obstruction to free movement of the air.

When the young couple decide to locate it is the custom to receive from the chief astrologer of the Temple a horoscope definitely naming the number of the new family to come. For each one a room was built in the home. This special allotment prevents crowding, and is productive to the utmost, of progress and growth on all lines.

Animals herd, man individualizes in his tendency. At either end of the scale, acceptation of, or rebellion against the herding, indicates where he stands at any given time, as regards either his spiritual or his physical nature. If he is inclined to be brutish it matters not if fifty hands eating with his, dip into the same bowl of porridge. If he is spiritually unfolded he would prefer to appropriate and use, in his own way, that which comes belonging to and prepared especially for himself. This is not, as it might at the outset appear, selfishness, but is the outcropping of the work which the Ego takes upon itself during the earth lives, the soul-building out of the incarnations.

The rooms on the first story are larger and mostly used for the offices of living, in which the family relations are concerned and perfected. Most of their leisure time is spent about the fountain in the court, where there are always agreeable shadows, with the blue sky above. The courts are paved in colored patterns with a kind of glass, and carpeted with rugs and mats woven from vegetable textiles and fancifully dyed. These goods are made principally for export. Besides these furnishings, there are side by side, products of man’s thought from every part of the earth, the richest and the best. None are blood stained as the spoils of war, for our traffic, industrious and honorable, has made us beyond a doubt the richest nation that ever existed upon the earth.

From the first, we have traded everywhere. No galley of ours has ever been seized by the god of the seas and left lying upon the ocean bottom whether bearing our goods forth or bringing back to us the merchandise of other lands. This natural increase by labor and by trade, without loss, should of itself have been sufficient to have enriched us without other means.

Thus it is perceived the families are by themselves, each is an independent community. Their houses and gardens are as much the kingdom of that community as can possibly be conceived. This is the rule of the spiritual and not of the physical.

But I must not forget to speak of the streets and roads of the city proper and the outlying country. These are laid out on a certain general plan, which once established has never been changed. Although they have been many years in construction and extension, every foot has been added under the direction of a master mind in conformity to a uniform plan adopted thousands of years ago. So far as they are extended they are finished and lasting. The substance used for the road beds is our secret, of the whole world. Our ways are dustless and noiseless. The peculiar composition readily yields traction to bodies moving over them. Never has there been so perfect a system of easy transportation upon the earth.

The public buildings are always large, roomy and of varied styles, surmounted with domes, pinnacles and minarets and ornamented with statutes of artistic design and workmanship. The material of which these are built is white marble. Atlantis can well claim not only the honor of being so created, but of remaining a white city. There is no darkening effluvium in the air nor the climate to obscure the white walls set in the great billows of surrounding green. Our Magi say, that in days to come, a nation on the Mediterranean Sea called the Greeks, will personify in their works of art, our beloved city as a beautiful woman rising from the sea.

The more important of these buildings are profusely decorated with gold, and it is for this purpose that this metal is so eagerly bought by the Atlantian traders, a poetical name the tears of the sun, has been adopted by our people, and by this it is most widely called here. Of the palace of the King; of the Great Temple, I will speak more at length by and by.

In these public buildings are rooms for social meetings, to discuss public topics and for the convenience of classes studying things that do not belong to the physical plane. A description of one will be a description of the general plan of all. They are elliptical in form, with a fountain in the center. The Atlantians are extravagantly fond of the presence of water. At one of the loci are a number of seats, arranged like an amphitheater, built of stone and rising one above another. At the other of the loci stands a Tribune, upon which the speaker stands when public addresses are made. About the fountain also are seats, where the auditors sit easily and converse one with another.

In like manner are built the training schools of the young; the central part of the structure being open to the sunlight and the air. Here the young Atlantians are educated in the things that belong to the nation, the family and to themselves. Our fathers had a saying we seek to make a rule of living: Eight years to infancy and play, eight years to boyhood and training in physical things, eight years to young manhood and learning of the world outside of Atlantis, and one thousand years to learning of the invisible and real. These proportions are very nearly correct.

Excerpt from Our Story Of Atlantis

See Part II here.