Plato, Prehistorian: Myth, Religion and Archaeology

Plato wrote of two ancient civilisations that flourished more than 9,000 years before his time, and modern archaeological techniques may yet prove him right. Mary Settegast's book "Prehistorian" demonstrates correspondences between Plato's tale and the mystery religions of antiquity, tracing the mid-seventh millennium impulse that revitalised the spiritual life of Çatalhöyük and spread agriculture from Iran to the Greek Peninsula.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: SteinerBooks, Inc

Plato, in his renowned dialogues, Timaeus and Critias, delved into the accounts of two ancient civilizations that thrived over 9,000 years before his time. Socrates, renowned for his philosophical inquiry, embraced these narratives as truthful, and modern archaeological techniques hold the potential to validate his belief.

Prehistorian and author Mary Settegast takes us on a captivating journey through time, from the awe-inspiring cave paintings of Lascaux to the revered shrines of Çatalhöyük. Through meticulous research and a comprehensive approach, she establishes remarkable correspondences between Plato's narrative and the enigmatic mystery religions of antiquity. Settegast then traces the mid-seventh millennium impulse that revitalized the spiritual life of Çatalhöyük and facilitated the spread of agriculture from Iran to the Greek Peninsula—a period coinciding with Aristotle's account of the legendary Persian prophet Zarathustra, who regarded the cultivation of the earth as a sacred duty.

This captivating and thought-provoking work by Settegast is a testament to her extensive research and thorough analysis. Yet, it is written in a jargon-free and engaging style, making it accessible to a wide audience. Her approach is truly comprehensive, covering various aspects of history, archaeology, and philosophy. Through her meticulous exploration, Settegast sheds light on the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and offers a fresh perspective on the timeless themes of spirituality, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781584208976
Edition number: 3 Revised edition