Meropis – Theopompus' Parody Atlantis in the Atlantic
Meropis · Meropes · Theopompus Meropis · Isle of Meropis
Classical literature (350 BCE Theopompus – quoted 2nd c. CE Aelian)·Chian Greek paradoxography·🇵🇹 Atlantic off Iberia – literary island Beyond Ocean (parody of Atlantis), Portugal
About
About Meropis – Theopompus' Parody Atlantis in the Atlantic
Theopompus of Chios (FGrH 115 F 75c) in Philippica Book 8 invents Meropis — vast Atlantic continent with city Machimos (warlike) and Eusebes (pious) at a river, whose 10 million soldiers tried to invade Hyperborea but returned ashamed. Aelian Var. Hist. 3.18 preserves Silenus' tale to Midas; obvious political parody of Plato's Atlantis (only two generations later) written while Philip of Macedon campaigns. Shown to be fiction by Theopompus' paradoxographical method. Often cited as independent 'Atlantis corroboration' by pseudo authors, but philologically proved as satire (N. S. Conti, F. H. Smith).
Why it mattersMeta-archaeology of parody as evidence; philologicoironical test case for Atlantis claims repeated.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Did Theopompus intend Meropis to be readable satire or secret geography?
- 02Why does Aelian preserve Meropis next to sheep-yielding marvels?
Theories
- 01Silenus-to-Midas dialogue frame tags Meropis as Aesopic fable genre (Rose 1995)
- 02Machimos/Eusebes city dichotomy maps directly onto Critias' Atlantis vs Athens contrast
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Literary 350 BCE, post-Plato Atlantis parody
- Period
- Classical literature (350 BCE Theopompus – quoted 2nd c. CE Aelian)
- Culture
- Chian Greek paradoxography
- Purpose
- Satire of Athenian imperial utopia
- Abandoned
- Not-applicable literary
- Rediscovered
- Preserved via Aelian 2nd c.
- Excavation
- Not applicable
350 BCE
Theopompus writes Meropis satire in Philippica Book 8 as Silenus to Midas
380 BCE
Plato Critias/Timaeus Atlantis (model for parody)
c.200 CE
Aelian VH 3.18 cites Theopompus fragment F75c preserving summary
1914
FGrH Jacoby identifies Meropis fragment 75c
1992
G. S. Shrimpton exposes Meropis as intentional anachronism—10 million army vs Hyperborea
On the ground
Structures & features
38.5000° N · 14.0000° W · 0 m · 3 mapped features
Meropis hypothetical Atlantic
hypotheticalTheopompus continent west of Pillars at 38.5N 14W
38.5000° N · 14.0000° WMachimos warlike city (fictive)
cityMillion-man warlike city on Meropis fictional island
38.7000° N · 14.2000° WEusebes pious city (fictive)
cityPeaceful city with endless fruits
38.3000° N · 13.8000° W