when Plato's island sunk in the sea. And it is a curious fact that
Columbus had the antediluvian world in his mind's eye even then, for
when he reached the mouth of the Orinoco he thought it was the river
Gihon, that flowed out of Paradise, and he wrote home to Spain, "There
are here great indications suggesting the proximity of the earthly
Paradise, for not only does it correspond in mathematical position with
the opinions of the holy and learned theologians, but all other signs
concur to make it probable."

Sanchoniathon claims that the learning of Egypt, Greece, and Judaea was
derived from the Phoenicians. It would appear probable that, while other
races represent the conquests or colonizations of Atlantis, the
Phoenicians succeeded to their arts, sciences, and especially their
commercial supremacy; and hence the close resemblances which we have
found to exist between the Hebrews, a branch of the Phoenician stock,
and the people of America.

Upon the Syrian sea the people live
Who style themselves Phoenicians. . . .
These were the first great founders of the world--
Founders of cities and of mighty states--
Who showed a path through seas before unknown.
In the first ages, when the sons of men
Knew not which way to turn them, they assigned
To each his first department; they bestowed
Of land a portion and of sea a lot,
And sent each wandering tribe far off to share
A different soil and climate. Hence arose
The great diversity, so plainly seen,
'Mid nations widely severed.