Plato, Prehistorian: 10000 to 5000 BC in Myth and Archaeology : Book Review

"Plato Prehistorian" by Mary Settegast is a captivating book that challenges conventional notions of ancient civilizations and the impact they had on Plato's writings. Settegast dives deep into Plato's dialogues, drawing connections to archaeological evidence and offering a fresh interpretation of history.

The author presents a compelling argument that Plato's tale of Atlantis was based on a real civilization — the Minoans. Settegast explores the culture of the Minoans, their advanced seafaring abilities, and potential links to other ancient societies. She meticulously analyzes Plato's descriptions, leveraging historical and archaeological sources to support her theories.

One of the standout features of this book is Settegast's ability to bring together various disciplines and weave a narrative that incorporates diverse strands of evidence. Her writing is eloquent, seamlessly integrating ancient history, archaeology, myth, and philosophy. This interdisciplinary approach allows readers to grasp a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Furthermore, Settegast's thorough research and extensive knowledge shine through in every chapter. Her engaging writing style makes complex ideas accessible to both scholars and general readers. She presents her arguments logically and systemically, guiding readers through her interpretation without overwhelming them with technical jargon.

Overall, "Plato Prehistorian" is an engrossing read that challenges traditional interpretations of ancient civilizations and sheds new light on Plato's work. Settegast's persuasive arguments, meticulous research, and interdisciplinary approach make this book a valuable contribution to the field of ancient history. Whether you have an interest in Plato, ancient civilizations, or are simply curious about alternative perspectives, this book is a worthwhile choice. It will stimulate your thinking, broaden your horizons, and leave you with a new appreciation for the complexities of the ancient world.

What are readers saying?

The book "Plato Prehistorian: 10,000 to 5,000 B.C. Myth, Religion, Archaeology" written by Mary Settegast has received a range of reviews from readers. Some readers found the book fascinating and thought-provoking, while others felt that it relied too heavily on speculation and lacked concrete evidence. Overall, the book explores ancient civilizations and mythology from 10,000 to 5,000 B.C. and their potential influence on the philosophy of Plato.

Many readers appreciated Settegast's thorough research and her ability to integrate various disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, and ancient texts. They found her arguments compelling and praised her for presenting a fresh perspective on prehistoric cultures. The book's exploration of the foundations of Western civilization and how Plato's philosophy may have been influenced by these earlier civilizations intrigued these readers, leading them to question our understanding of history.

However, some readers criticized the book for its speculative nature and lack of solid evidence. They felt that Settegast relied too heavily on assumptions and conjectures, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Some reviewers suggested that the book could have benefited from a more balanced approach, clearly delineating between established knowledge and theories.

Opinions about the writing style of the book were also varied. Some readers found Settegast's prose engaging and accessible, which helped them grasp complex ideas. Others, however, felt that the writing was dense and overly academic, making it challenging to stay engaged with the material.

Despite the criticism, many readers who enjoyed the book praised Settegast for sparking their curiosity and causing them to question long-held beliefs about ancient civilizations. They found value in the alternative perspective presented and appreciated the book's endeavor to shed light on a less-explored period in human history.

PlatoPrehistorian AncientGreekScholar PhilosophicalJourney