The government was modeled from that of sons of Mars; at first a war-like monarchy whose head descended from the house of one lone shepherd, who rose from skin-clad people to a man of might in brain power; discerning in the sons of his loved land a war-like tribe to overthrow and bind unto them forces from the lands afar through centuries of toil. A course mapped out from sire to son from which none deviated.
The government was modeled on that of the sons of Mars. At first it was a warlike monarchy whose head descended from the house of one lone shepherd. He rose from a skin-clad people to become a man of mighty brain power. He saw in the sons of his beloved land a warlike tribe. Through centuries of toil, they could overthrow forces from distant lands and bind them to themselves. This course was mapped out from father to son, and none strayed from it.
And thus the government was shaped, and held for years, by one deft brain that builded as did the host of mortals on the planet ye call "Mars," and thus I swear.
And so the government was formed and maintained for years by one clever mind, who constructed it as the multitudes on the planet you call "Mars" had done, and to this I swear.
How, ask ye, was the knowledge of those men to him conveyed? By that thought power all own, but not all rightly use. Yet he who was descended from the shepherd learned, through close communion with the laws of Nature, that all "space" was full of thought and listening, at an hour which held for him most leisure, he heard a voice from out the silence speaking to the sense which all men own. Secrets vast were told, unwittingly, for they who told deemed not that "space" hath ears, and thus he learned the lessen of a ruling mind, of power to wield the baton of the law, to quell sedition; justice to present and Peace to hold.
How was this knowledge passed on to him? Through the power of thought that all possess, but not everyone uses correctly. The descendant of the shepherd, through his close connection with nature's laws, discovered that all of space was filled with thought. Listening during his most peaceful moments, he heard a voice emerge from the silence, speaking to a sense common to all. Great secrets were unknowingly revealed, as those who spoke were unaware that space itself could hear. Thus, he learned the lesson of a governing mind, capable of wielding the authority of law, quelling rebellion, delivering justice, and maintaining peace.
He builded from foundations pure and strong. Twelve trusted friends a council formed with him—the leader born and taught by soul to so direct and so to serve with will that all the others listened to his word.
He built upon solid and virtuous foundations. Twelve loyal companions formed a council with him—a natural leader, guided by his spirit to lead and serve with such determination that all the others heeded his words.
And one grown old in wisdom of a kind that then prevailed—the making of much wealth in swords and vessels for the water gates—had charge of all the stores; and even he—crowned king—could of no substance give save he—the head—consulted with the twelve and spake the word of promise. King in name yet was his office tempered with the wisdom of his peers in age.
An elder, skilled in the era's prized knowledge—crafting wealth through weaponry and naval equipment—oversaw all resources. Even he, the crowned king, couldn't distribute anything without first consulting the council of twelve and giving his word. Though king in title, his power was balanced by the wisdom of his equally seasoned advisors.
And thus the kingdom grew nor wasted gains in ill-spent revel or ambitious wars, but courted arts and planted, rearing high grand monuments that crumble ’neath the sea!
And so the kingdom grew. It did not waste its gains on ill-spent revels or ambitious wars. Instead it courted the arts and planted the land, raising high grand monuments that now crumble beneath the sea!
Wives were chosen not from alien lands for each wise ruler; but with beauty born, a daughter of the twelve who sat and judged, admonished and, perchance, reproved him who was lord of all. Nay, but one wife each knew, though when she passed to higher ether—soul instead of clay—another came to bless with tenderest love.
Rulers chose their wives from within their own lands, not from foreign countries. These women were beautiful daughters of the twelve judges who advised and sometimes rebuked the supreme leader. Each ruler had only one wife at a time, but when she died, he would remarry, finding new love and comfort.
As centuries passed there reigned one monarch—him ye call Osiris—for such I swear was ancestor to that god-king of my land whom ye are taught to doubt as myth or mock, but who did live indeed and reign.
As the centuries passed, there came to reign one monarch, the one you call Osiris. I swear he was the ancestor of that god-king of my land whom you are taught to doubt as a myth, or to mock. But he did indeed live and reign.
In this king's day the number of the statemen grew and many thronged the hall where justice held her sway, and kingdoms far learned well the power of him who sat upon Atlantis’ throne.
During this king's reign, the number of statesmen increased, and many crowded the hall where justice prevailed. Far-off kingdoms came to respect the power of the ruler who sat on Atlantis' throne.
The years of the duration of the Atlantian government from the time of the formation are not numbered on the tablets, but we gather much from history of other lands and the signs denoting culture following crudest ignorance. Thus we speak: "Seven thousand years Atlantis throve in government." Yea, fully. More mayhap but it is scarcely true that one million years passed by without a change as has been asserted.
The exact duration of the Atlantian government from its formation is not recorded on the tablets. However, we can infer much from the history of other lands and the evidence of cultural development following primitive times. Based on this, we can say: "Atlantis flourished under its government for seven thousand years." Indeed, it may have been longer, but claims of a million years without change are almost certainly exaggerated.
Seven thousand years are all I grasp, and still another may a different version give, for even in the histories writ so plain that men today read fully all there written, they differ strongly.
I can only comprehend seven thousand years of history, and even then, someone else might tell a different story. Even in the most clearly written historical accounts that people today can fully understand, there are significant disagreements.
Ever so it was.
It has always been this way.
We march by epoch.
We progress through ages.
First the Shepherd King, then followed others of his line for full one thousand years. The stream was lost in other branches then, yet were they fit to govern. Men of that great council who had striven hard to bring to shame the line that mocked the Higher, and asserted that their reign began in gods who handed down to children god-fathered, born of maids, all the mighty line.
First came the Shepherd King. Then others of his line followed for a full thousand years. After that the stream was lost in other branches, yet these were fit to govern. They were men of that great council who had striven hard to bring shame on the line that mocked the Higher. That line had claimed that its reign began with gods. The gods, it said, handed down the whole mighty line to god-fathered children born of maidens.
A break in line of reign there ne’er had been for centuries, for one, extolled by all, stepped forward and did claim the kingdom's lead and others willingly permitted.
For centuries, the line of succession had remained unbroken. When the time came, a widely respected individual stepped forward to claim leadership of the kingdom, and others willingly accepted their rule.
Such kings as this were Ormandorth and Sestrom, Ohydid and old Polcythine with twenty sons who turned to lands afar and wonders wrought in this, thy land, ten thousand years agone, before the plague of fire from the sky *—a settling of the star directly over the land, and pebbles hot were cast from a volcanic mould.
Such kings were Ormandorth and Sestrom, Ohydid, and old Polcythine with his twenty sons. These sons turned to distant lands and worked wonders in this land of yours ten thousand years ago. That was before the plague of fire from the sky *. It was a settling of the star directly over the land, and hot pebbles were cast out from a volcanic mold.
The cities were destroyed where rivers now do flow, or forests spring. The rocky strata of a hundred hills bear witness what I speak is truth. And perished thus the line of Polcythine through wandering sons who ne’er returned.
Cities were razed where rivers now run and forests grow. The rock layers of countless hills testify to the truth of my words. And so perished the Polcythine lineage, through wandering sons who never came home.
And so the line was taken, when three thousand years of government flew by, by king a rover bold, a son of him who wore the cross of promise; one who stemmed the flood of bitter opposition to a war which nearly wrecked the navy—in that day a feeble line of galleys, later great and striking awe to every heart where sailed the wondrous fleet in southern sea.
And so, when three thousand years of government had flown by, the line was taken over by a king who was a bold rover. He was a son of the man who wore the cross of promise. He held back the flood of bitter opposition to a war that nearly wrecked the navy. In that day the navy was a feeble line of galleys. Later it grew great, striking awe into every heart wherever the wondrous fleet sailed in the southern sea.
That cruel king died ere Osiris reigned; his father, stern and subtle of that line so cruel to his kind and kindred. The taint of cruel blood ran all adown the line like foulest taint of dread disease, to lift its head on some uncertain day, or like to serpent hid it lay beneath the smiling calm—beneath the kindly deed and kingly courtesy.
The cruel king died before Osiris took the throne. His father, harsh and cunning, came from a lineage known for its cruelty to family and subjects alike. This ruthless bloodline persisted through generations, like a terrible disease waiting to resurface at any moment. It lurked beneath the surface, hidden behind smiles, kind acts, and royal politeness, much like a concealed serpent.
Broad subjects were discussed amidst the making of Atlantis’ laws, as the Creation—all the laws of growth enlarged upon—expelling of the water from the clouds and Spring and Harvest time were brought to mind.
The creation of Atlantis' laws involved wide-ranging discussions. These touched on fundamental topics like the universe's origin, the principles of growth and development, the water cycle, and the changing of seasons from spring to harvest time.
Close observation of the stars’ poise was made so as to teach best state for permeating books, ye speak, we the tablets.
The poise of the stars was closely observed, to teach the best state for taking in books, as you say. We say the tablets.
The hero was sent forth to war at certain periods marked by stars, and Government forbade that ships of commerce sail when stars portended loss. The tablets tell the tale—each moon—change marking destruction by madness or disease, or yet of safety and success with blessed health.
The warrior was dispatched to battle at specific times determined by celestial events. The authorities prohibited merchant ships from sailing when the stars foretold disaster. The records chronicle each lunar cycle, indicating times of ruin brought by insanity or illness, or periods of triumph marked by good fortune and well-being.
The laws were regulated by the Mars trend for the wars, and Mercury held the subject for the insect plague, and all were guarded from their ravages by the instructions of the Government whose laws fulfilled must be or punishment was meted out, nor stayed.
The regulations for warfare were governed by Mars, while Mercury controlled the insect plagues. Everyone was protected from these threats by government directives. These laws had to be obeyed, or punishment would be swiftly and inevitably dealt out.
Ah, nay! The idea of the pyramid was born not in Atlantis. The pyramids were builded from model from afar, nor in Atlantis rose the shape; there round obtained in form, a pretext for much chiselling and caught the fancy of the builders there.
No, the concept of the pyramid did not originate in Atlantis. The pyramids were constructed based on designs from distant lands, and Atlantis did not give rise to this shape. Instead, circular forms were prevalent there, inspiring extensive carving and capturing the imagination of local architects.
From other land the pyramids; from "Yucatan" a land that rose and fell in government for centuries before Atlantis reared above the sea a mark of civilization.
The pyramids came from another land, from "Yucatan." That land rose and fell in government for centuries before Atlantis raised a mark of civilization above the sea.
This is truth.
This is true.
Unto Atlantis came the sons of Yucatan—in truth as spoilers first, but later stayed to so convert—and did become the citizens who always caused much agitation; in the army, navy, all adown the line where ran their blood.
The descendants of Yucatan arrived in Atlantis—initially as plunderers, but they eventually settled and assimilated. These new citizens, with their distinct heritage, became a source of constant change and unrest throughout Atlantean society, influencing the military, navy, and every aspect of life where their bloodline spread.
A fretful, soulful people; turned to war or prayer. To building quaintly, hugely, cornered structures. Angles were their theme and model patterned from a mind that followed rule, not lines of grace, and thus were born the pyramids in brain of one who had conceived a fortress strong, impregnable. A fortress set on mountain top, the blocks of stone raised by the law I mentioned * and the help of slaves, or captives, who were held by thousands in the parent land. (Yucatan)
They were a fretful, soulful people, who turned to war or prayer, and to building quaint, huge, cornered structures. Angles were their theme. Their model was patterned by a mind that followed rule, not lines of grace. So the pyramids were born in the brain of one who had conceived a strong, impregnable fortress. It was a fortress set on a mountain top. Its blocks of stone were raised by the law I mentioned * and by the help of slaves, or captives, who were held by thousands in the parent land. (Yucatan)
Nor would Atlantis bear the structure-pyramid. Threatened exile to the one who contemplated building, but this one did carry into Egypt when the exodus of princes did proceed the water death. And when the day had come that, at command, a tomb was builded for a monarch old, rose he—the son of sons of him who from Atlantis came—and builded as desired through help of chosen ones who studied so complete the hints obtained from him—descendant of old Yucatan and foster child of lost Atlantis’ shore.
Nor would Atlantis tolerate the pyramid structure. It threatened exile to the one who planned to build one. But this man carried it into Egypt when the exodus of princes went ahead of the water death. Then the day came when, by command, a tomb was built for an old monarch. He rose, the son of the sons of the man who came from Atlantis. He built it as desired, with the help of chosen ones who thoroughly studied the hints obtained from him. That man was a descendant of old Yucatan and a foster child of lost Atlantis’ shore.
The object strength. No earthquake's shock could overthrow, no whirlwind topple to destruction, no foe could penetrate. In Yucatan—the land of mystery ye call, yet I, "the land of silent power" of speech to them who open wide their ears—that pyramid first builded was a home for hosts of warriors.
This structure was incredibly robust. No earthquake could shake it, no storm could topple it, and no enemy could breach it. In Yucatan—which you call a land of mystery, but I call "the land of silent power" for those who truly listen—this pyramid was originally built as a fortress for countless warriors.
Tunneled in the hill on which it rose were chambers vast—a city—well ye call such labyrinth, and sealed to all intruders could it be; its streets, its groves, its parks, save for the opening in the pyramid, a handful guarded in the time of siege. For from the plains, now barren save for "farms" that dot them here and there, came swarms of men akin to brute in force and brain. The offspring of the steppes were they, where solitude breeds thoughts, yet grand or fierce or foul.
Hidden within the hill were vast chambers—a city, really—a labyrinth that could be sealed off from all outsiders. Its streets, groves, and parks were accessible only through an opening in the pyramid, which a small group could defend during a siege. From the now-barren plains, dotted with occasional farms, came hordes of men as strong and primitive as beasts. These were the children of the steppes, where isolation breeds thoughts both magnificent and terrible.
Their leaders, men of minds so well endowed they understood all arts and sciences. The rabble, creatures of the outcast-man in that young age when first the cities rose where serpents whirr in deadly stroke, and wolves howl long when night shuts down, and red men creep to labor or sun-warmth on sight of greatness that hath struck with awe the men of worlds now passed away. And this the land that gave Atlantis foes, or allies, when her navy grew so great it were defeat to seek her, warring, on the sea.
Their leaders were men with minds so well endowed that they understood all arts and sciences. The rabble were creatures of the outcast man, from that young age when the cities first rose. Serpents now whir in deadly strike at that place, and wolves howl long when night closes in. Red men creep there to labor, or to warm themselves in the sun, in sight of a greatness that struck awe into the men of worlds now passed away. And this was the land that gave Atlantis foes, or allies, when her navy grew so great that seeking to fight her at sea meant defeat.
Atlantis made her boast that none might build her temples mighty. But in that far off isle was one who wrote on parchment all the mode of rearing and of hewing from the rock such pillars as were needed. His sons, too, learned the method. It was my father's ancestor who spake the way of reading poise. He left that sunken isle while yet it stood in glory.
Atlantis bragged that no one could build temples as grand as hers. However, on that distant island lived a man who documented the techniques for quarrying and erecting the massive pillars required. He passed this knowledge to his sons. My ancestor, who escaped before Atlantis sank, revealed the secret of measuring balance in these structures.
He was of that band who did betake to boats in young Osiris’ reign, for reign did he in all the state his sire had kept when Egypt's shore was reached. And thus was Karnak builded. Karnak grand, whose pillar’d arches touched the vault of blue in man's imagination.
He belonged to the group who took to boats during young Osiris' rule, for he reigned over all the land his father had held when they reached Egypt's shore. This is how Karnak was built. Magnificent Karnak, whose pillared arches seemed to touch the sky in people's minds.
Yea, Karnak hath a measure all its own. A measure born of greatness of the mind that delved and brought to light from atom's realm the thoughts which soared in beauty, solid worth, and made a city where the night looks down through roofless palace, temple, tomb! A work that man hath wrought, but Fate in stern decree, so linked to the Ages that as one are they, mowed from the earth; its grandeur lost to eye save where a broken arch or pillar speaks in tongue of ruin, potent.
Karnak truly has a unique quality. Its grandeur stems from the brilliance of minds that explored the depths of knowledge, unveiling thoughts of beauty and substance from the atomic realm. These minds created a city where now, only moonlight shines through roofless palaces, temples, and tombs. Though built by human hands, Fate's harsh decree has bound Karnak so tightly to the passage of time that they've become one. Its magnificence has vanished from sight, save for the scattered broken arches and pillars that speak powerfully in the language of ruin.
Yet the mood of them who builded lingers still about the arch that crumbles where the stars look down and Moon glints with new glory—glory vast but mocking. Such is ruin—but reminder of a day now passed forever. Yet it holdeth tantalizing mood; for like the gauds which hide not yet entrance, it rests where eye may linger and be held yet meaneth naught save that man's builded greatness is a mock.
The spirit of the builders still lingers around the crumbling arch, where stars gaze down and the Moon shines with a new, vast, yet mocking glory. This ruin serves as a reminder of a bygone era. It holds a tantalizing atmosphere, like alluring ornaments that captivate the eye but offer no substance. The remnants stand as a silent testament, meaning nothing except to show that man's greatest constructions are ultimately a hollow boast.
It warmeth not the heart, but gnaws its way through all remembrance of another age that may not rest beneath the selfsame sky that once looked on its greatness. Old Karnak stood as warrior-shield on heart-defying hordes that looked with greedy eye, well knowing that within those temples vast lay treasures—"emeralds."
It fails to warm the heart, instead eating away at memories of a bygone era that can't find peace under the same sky that once witnessed its glory. Ancient Karnak stood as a fortress against invading armies who gazed with hungry eyes, well aware that within those massive temples lay precious treasures—"emeralds."
Aye, emeralds the men had brought even from Atlantis; globes whose worth meant fortunes for each owner journeying, but so sacred they that none dared barter for the gold each saw yet dared not gain at risk of ruined life. For such the story, that he who bartered one, if gift it was, brought untold sorrow to the latest of his line. And thus there resteth one within the breast where beat the heart attuned to mine in other age!
Yes, the men had brought emeralds even from Atlantis. They were globes whose worth meant a fortune for each owner on his journey. Each saw the gold in them, but they were so sacred that no one dared barter them for it. No one dared that gain at the risk of a ruined life. For such was the story: whoever bartered one, if it was a gift, brought untold sorrow to the last of his line. And so one rests within the breast where the heart beat that was attuned to mine in another age!
Alas! that day has fled and yet another dawns upon my sight. Within these temple cells lie buried, pillar’d o’er, such sheets of metal as had known the fire of old Atlantis’ smiths, who beat so thin the weight was naught, a scroll that tooth of Time eats. not, and characters and lines mark history of the land beneath the waves.
Alas! That day has fled, and yet another dawns before my eyes. Within these temple cells, with pillars over them, lie buried sheets of metal that knew the fire of old Atlantis’ smiths. They beat them so thin that the weight was nothing, a scroll that the tooth of Time does not eat. Their characters and lines record the history of the land beneath the waves.
And on one sheet is marked instructions plain to read the colors of the rainbow, Moon and clouds and blossoms; tone of birds, aye, all that star-men taught. And there lies wisdom held from higher planets where the journeying soul resided for a space to learn the tongue, the song or story.
One page contains clear instructions for interpreting the colors of rainbows, the moon, clouds, and flowers, as well as the sounds of birds—indeed, all that celestial beings have taught. This knowledge holds wisdom from distant planets where the wandering soul once dwelled, learning their language, music, and lore.
Yea, O Mine Own, the early races of old Yucatan—"Mayans" ye call—had there dwelt long ere peopled was Atlantis, and from the "Orient" came they—subtle souls who knew of "Ur" and "Babylon"—in later day and came unto the wilds of Yucatan through stress of famine not but stress of war. In that young day no jungle growth prevailed in Yucatan; thus was it writ: (hieroglyphics) in alphabet of other age.
Yes, O My Own, the early races of old Yucatan, the "Mayans" as you call them, had dwelt there long before Atlantis was peopled. They came from the "Orient," subtle souls who knew of "Ur" and "Babylon." In a later day they came into the wilds of Yucatan, driven not by famine but by war. In that young day no jungle growth existed in Yucatan. So it was written: (hieroglyphics) in the alphabet of another age.
Long years have made the tangle; serpents vicious, poisonous, dwelt not there in that young age, but out of "India" came the serpent mass, a treasured "curiosity" for one vicious priest to torture with wild fright his rebel followers in time of war, and thus they multiplied as forests grew, became a menace and ye see today results of one man's vicious mood …
Long years have made the tangle of jungle. Vicious, poisonous serpents did not live there in that young age. But the mass of serpents came out of "India," a treasured "curiosity" for one vicious priest. He used them to torture his rebel followers with wild fright in time of war. So they multiplied as the forests grew and became a menace. Today you see the results of one man's vicious mood …
Yea, those Mayans from the heights of India came, and fled one company from king's oppression and remained to people wilds, yet not the tangle of the jungle waste unknown in that first age of Yucatan. Those mighty builders methods used as they did who raised the pyramids in Egypt later and subject they to man's achievement—the poise of stone and currents of the air as I have written on an earlier page.
Yes, those Mayans came from the heights of India. One company fled from a king's oppression and stayed to people the wilds. Yet the tangle of the jungle waste was unknown in that first age of Yucatan. Those mighty builders used the methods of those who later raised the pyramids in Egypt. They made the poise of stone and the currents of the air subject to man's achievement, as I have written on an earlier page.
Behold, O Soul of mine, I bring thee proof that Mayan industries throve through knowledge gleaned from other land in that dim past, for not upon the soil now clogged with rooted trees had they been born, but upon heights with snow besprinkled, or vast plains where they were once inhabitants, but fleeing from oppression set their feet—a generous band of "experts," on the soil of Yucatan.
Look, my soul, I offer evidence that Mayan crafts flourished through wisdom gathered from distant lands in ancient times. They weren't native to this jungle-covered soil, but came from snowy peaks or vast plains. Fleeing oppression, a skilled group of "experts" settled in Yucatan.
They grew as nations grow and held throughout the years the knowledge of the past when structures rose through patient toil like to those other ones in land afar, and every man was disciplined to learn the method and to build those piles which crumble ’neath the ravage of the wild and mock the modern trend of minds which vaunt themselves as master builders; thus they grew apace to mock the builded cities of the western land to which they drifted in those later days when population, hunger weakened, war encroached, did set them forth to lands afar or "homeward" unto India; set them forth to perish, some of stern fatigue, of famine reft of life, or on the ocean sailing, sunk by storms.
They grew as nations do, preserving ancient knowledge as they built grand structures through patient effort, rivaling those in distant lands. Every person was trained in their methods, constructing edifices that, though now crumbling in the wilderness, still challenge modern architects who claim superior skill. These civilizations flourished, surpassing the cities of the West. Later, weakened by overpopulation, hunger, and war, they migrated to far-off lands or "back" to India. Many perished from exhaustion, starvation, or shipwrecks during their journey.
Yea, wolves did howl among the temples vast where serpents multiplied and warred on weakened man, and many died by poison fangs.
Wolves prowled among the massive ruins, where snakes bred in great numbers and attacked vulnerable humans. Many people perished from venomous bites.
Those ancient Mayans, O mine own, a people were who ravaged not as nations throve beside, but peaceful bode amidst their palaces, grew wise with age and sedulously they worshipped gods who throve on their credulity, for not the image only did they worship, but the living man who represented Deity, grew wise and bold as followers did endow with attributes of wisdom and of power that quelled the storms and caused the gentle rain to fall.
Those ancient Mayans, O my own, were a people who did not ravage as the nations thriving beside them did. They lived peacefully among their palaces and grew wise with age. They diligently worshipped gods who thrived on their credulity. For they worshipped not only the image but the living man who represented the Deity. He grew wise and bold as his followers gave him attributes of wisdom and power, a power that quelled the storms and made the gentle rain fall.
Yea, I give thee origin of human sacrifice as thou hast asked. It rose from subtle motives, power, held by them who would dictate life or death and followers caught the thought, and thus, behold, the lovely virgins hurled to pits or slaughtered on the altar, bathed in blood creating frenzy in the multitudes.
Here's the origin of human sacrifice, as you requested. It arose from subtle motives of power, wielded by those who sought to control life and death. Their followers embraced this idea, and as a result, we witnessed beautiful young women thrown into pits or killed on altars, their blood-soaked deaths whipping crowds into a frenzy.
They reasoned, they those priests so arrogant, that subject to their will became the virtuous maids cast at their feet by parents less than brutes, to whom the suffering of their young is agony of self.
Those arrogant priests reasoned that the virtuous maidens cast at their feet became subject to their will. Their parents cast them there, parents less than brutes, for to the brutes the suffering of their young is agony to themselves.
They bought them power, those parents vile, by "casting to the gods," the fairest maids, and thus the habit grew and fouled the land by such indulgence. Knowledge in the brain, or mind ye speak, creates not tenderness or pity in the heart, and there was one, called wise, so cruel that the other priests shrank from his proud presence, who did conceive a viler sacrifice than instant death.
Those evil parents gained power by sacrificing the most beautiful young women to the gods. This practice spread and corrupted the land through such indulgence. Intelligence alone doesn't create compassion or empathy. One priest, considered wise but so cruel that even other priests avoided him, devised an even more wicked sacrifice than immediate death.
"The serpent sacrifice" ’twas called, and in a pit were nurtured poisonous snakes by thousands, and upon a "platform" in that sullied pit was placed the victim and the serpents twined and struck at one who shrank and shrieked for aid and prayed to heedless gods who represented wanton cruelty.
It was called "the serpent sacrifice." In a pit, thousands of venomous snakes were kept. A victim was placed on a platform within this foul pit. The serpents coiled and struck at the person, who recoiled and screamed for help, praying to uncaring gods who embodied mindless cruelty.
The years passed by and serpents grew and multiplied, but at the last the Mayan "gods" did weary of that mode of sacrifice and lost the habit; yet until the last a sacrifice of man and virgin fair was made to satisfy a senseless thirst for lust and power.
The years passed, and the serpents grew and multiplied. But at last the Mayan "gods" wearied of that mode of sacrifice and lost the habit. Yet until the end, a sacrifice of a man and a fair virgin was made to satisfy a senseless thirst for lust and power.
Nay, mine own, Atlantis was not peopled when the monuments to greatness first rose on soil of Yucatan, vast mansions first builded in the mind of them who years before had watched the growth of other palaces, and so designed to build still greater far those habitations and made a mock of greatness borne in minds long passed from bodies.
No, my dear, Atlantis was not yet inhabited when the first great monuments were built in Yucatan. These vast structures were first conceived by those who had, years earlier, observed the development of other palaces. They aimed to construct even grander buildings, surpassing the achievements of their predecessors and challenging the notion of greatness held by long-departed minds.
Yea as one hath said, their tools were simple, yet the toil performed was equal and more lasting than that which implements of modern men do fashion, and exact the poise of stone which, formed by a law they understood full well, that built the pyramids in later age. Yea, from the hills of India came the tribes, sent forth by sore oppression, from a race who once had conquered and who on the plains had dwelt, and also builded from designs of their proud ancestors.
As some have noted, their tools were basic, yet the work they accomplished was just as impressive and more enduring than what modern equipment produces. They mastered the art of balancing stones, a skill later used to construct the pyramids. Tribes from the Indian hills, driven by severe oppression, descended from a once-powerful race that had lived on the plains and built structures based on their ancestors' proud designs.
They were men of mind endowed with reason; calculation and that sentiment which yearns to reproduce the works of God, ye call, in marble, stone of certain value bent to methods man designed; stone which caught electric currents; thus the secret note of poise which lifted with aid of men by thousands brought, perchance, from other climes. Men of intellect not yet conversant with the secret law of builders in that age.
They were men of mind, endowed with reason, calculation, and that feeling which yearns to reproduce what you call the works of God. They made them in marble, a stone of certain value bent to methods man designed. This stone caught electric currents. Thus came the secret note of poise that lifted it, with the aid of men by the thousands, brought perhaps from other climes. They were men of intellect not yet familiar with the secret law of the builders of that age.
Disease did fell that nation-smitten without warning; plague in grimmest form assailed. Yea, records be where men may one day find, that tell of disease encroaching hand which none could stay; of wolves and crawling things which battened on the scattered dead in seasons dark when from a distant isle came men with plague infested, and disease and death unto those early Mayans brought.
A devastating disease struck the nation without warning, unleashing a brutal plague. Historical records may one day reveal the unstoppable spread of this illness. They tell of wolves and vermin feasting on the unburied dead during dark times when foreigners from a distant island arrived, carrying the plague. These visitors brought disease and death to the early Mayans.
No leech of skill had they to warn them, thus many died and others fled from that "accursed spot," and foul became the cities vast and temples spoiled by one invader fell. But ere one temple was destroyed, in hidden crypt the blocks of stone inscribed with name of that disease, disaster, were safe hid from the despoilers who came once yearly to engage the men of that reft land in war.
They had no skilled healers to warn them, so many died and others fled from that "cursed place." Cities were ravaged and temples ruined by a single devastating invader. But before one temple fell, stone tablets inscribed with the name of that plague were safely hidden in a secret chamber, protected from the annual raids by enemies who waged war against the people of that ravaged land.
And thus the people dwindled, fled from that disease-infested spot, and wars and great invasions rid it of the remnant of that race which once dwelt there in great magnificence.
The population declined as people escaped the disease-ridden area. Wars and major invasions eliminated the last of the once-thriving civilization that had lived there in splendor.
"Accursed spot," ’twas called, with all its grandeurs did it perish as a spot of great fertility, and wondrous structures built from moods of minds attuned to lofty models, and to patient fashioning of structures so designed they stand through centuries.
It was called a "cursed place," and despite its grandeur, it perished as a fertile land. Its wonders were built by minds attuned to lofty ideals and patient craftsmanship, creating structures designed to endure for centuries.
Thine eyes shall read the writing classified with other ancient tablets’ mysteries, and all, at last, revealed be the mystery of that land.
You will understand the writing, once thought as mysterious as ancient tablets. Finally, all the secrets of that land will be revealed to you.