Why Scholars Say Fiction

Most archaeologists and historians consider Atlantis a literary creation rather than a historical account. Plato used dialogue form specifically to explore philosophical ideas through fictional scenarios. His other dialogues contain clearly invented stories and allegories.

The Atlantis narrative fits perfectly into Plato's argument that unchecked power leads to destruction, a theme throughout his political thought. Reading Atlantis as history is like reading Orwell's 1984 as journalism.