# Critias explained — Dialogues

> Chapter companion for Dialogues by Plato.

## What happens

Critias recounts the story of ancient Athens and its conflict with Atlantis, as told by Solon and passed down through his family. The dialogue describes the ideal state of ancient Athens, its virtuous citizens, and the rise of Atlantis, a powerful island nation that eventually waged war against Athens. The narrative breaks off as Zeus prepares to address the gods.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ideal Government and Philosopher Kings

The description of ancient Athens as a virtuous and well-governed state mirrors the ideal city-state discussed in Plato's Republic.

### War, Peace, and Military Virtue

The conflict between Athens and Atlantis highlights themes of military prowess, courage, and the defense of civilization against aggression.

## Character check-ins

### Critias

The primary narrator, recounting the story of Atlantis and ancient Athens as told by Solon.

### Timaeus

Present as a listener, having previously delivered his cosmological discourse.

### Socrates

Present as an interlocutor, encouraging Critias to continue his narrative.

### Hermogenes

Mentioned as being present in the dialogue.

## Key lines

> Critias

Critias begins his account of the ancient war between Athens and Atlantis, as told by Solon.

_The chapter opens with Critias taking over the narrative to describe the legendary conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se/chapters/critias
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se/chapters