Atlantis. 205 



nio?aics of stone. The entire structure, so far as we can judge by 

 those remains which have survived the ages, was intended as a phxce 

 of interment— a gigantic sarcophagus, at once suggestive of the rock 

 sculptured tombs of the Egyptians, with ornamentation of Grecian art. 

 In intellectual culture, and in certain general features of social 

 organization, the resemblances between the ancient nations, are 

 claimed to be equally striking. In both Egypt and America the 

 occupations of the people were designated in earliest inftxncy, and the 

 education of youth moulded accordingly. While the "caste 

 distinction of Egypt was not so sharply defined among the Mexicans, 

 yet priests, warriors, artizans, farmers, and traders, were, neverthe- 

 less, separated by defined limits. Among both nations the priestly 

 classes were numerous and powerful, living apart from the community 

 in convents, and were curators of learning, especially versed in astron- 

 omy, exercising an important influence in the administration of the 



state. 



In the peculiar features of their religion and mythology, many 

 points of resemblance are indicated as showing a transmission of relig- 

 ious ideas between the two nations, or, at least, a common origin of 

 religious belief. Of these, only a few can be here mentioned. Similarly 

 to the Mediterranean nations, the Mexicans believed in many deities pre- 

 siding over special affairs of men; also in the existence of spirits 

 inferior to the gods, who controlled minor concerns, and of whom each 

 family had a number of images or penates, according to rank. Athor 

 of the Egyptians, and Astarte of the Syrians, have their counterpart, 

 it is claimed, in Teteviuau, "Mother of the Gods," in Mexican 

 mythology. The tradition of Quetzal, is compared with that of 

 Isis and Osiris, who first showed the Egyptians the use of wheat and 

 barley, made implements of husbandry and taught their use, gave 

 them laws, civil organization, marriage, and worship, and, finally,"atter 

 teaching these arts, assembled a host, and went into all the world, 

 conquering nations by music and eloquence. In the INIexican theogouy, 

 Quetzal was a great benefactor who came from the east, and after teach- 

 ing the arts of peace and civilization, departed again to the far east in a 

 vessel, promising one day to return — a promise which led the Mexicans 

 to fkll an easy prey to the covetous Spaniard whom they regarded as 

 descended from their god. In the Mexican doctrines of the future life, 

 there is also to be traced a general resemblance, to the Egyptian theo- 

 ries. Among both nations, the doctrine of the future state was well 

 established, and closely connected with astronomy. Both believed in 

 a partial transmigration of souls, and, therefore, bestowed but little 

 care upon the dwellings of the living, which to them were temporary; 



