The Labyrinth and the double-headed axe, the labyris, are usually associated with Minoan culture. However, the labyrinth is an ancient symbol found around the world in locations such as Italy, India, Egypt, England, Finland and Peru. In Scandinavia they are known as Troy Towns - Trojeborgar. Sweden has the greatest number with 200(e). It was also incorporated into very many churches and cathedrals throughout Europe.
It has been suggested by a number of writers that the labyrinth had some connection with Atlantis(a)(b). This suggestion is interesting but highly speculative. J. D. Brady touches on this in his book, Atlantis(d)[738] and Lewis Spence in his The History of Atlantis. What I find interesting is that so many widespread examples of the labyrinth retain the irregular elements of the symbol even when depicted in a rectangular rather than a rounded style. An extensive website covering all aspects of labyrinths and mazes is worth a visit(c).
Some researchers have attempted to link the outline of the labyrinth with the concentric design of the harbour of Plato’s capital city. The harbour was described as a series of perfectly concentric circular features ‘as if created on a lathe’ (Critias 113d), whereas the labyrinth is more spiral with a slightly offset entrance. My conclusion regarding the labyrinth is; fascinating– yes, Atlantis – probably not.
The persistent use of this ancient symbol is highlighted by an aerial image, sent to me by Hank Harrison, of a Catholic school in California.
(a) http://mmmgroup.altervista.org/e-labiri.html
(b) www.duepassinelmistero.com/Il%20mito%20di%20Atlantide.htm
(c) http://www.labyrinthos.net/index.html
(e) http://www.mymaze.de/trojaburg_en.htm
