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Rosicrucian Timeline
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC has its roots in the mystery traditions, philosophy, the myths of Atlantis, and ancient Egypt. In antiquity the word "mystery" referred to a special gnosis, a secret wisdom. In ancient Egypt, select bodies or schools were formed to explore the mysteries of life, and to learn the secrets of this hidden wisdom. Over the course of centuries, these mystery schools added an initiatory dimension to the knowledge they transmitted.
 Atlantis (Prehistory)
Plato (ca. 428 - ca. 348 BCE) was the first to refer to Atlantis in Critias and Timaeus. He stated that his knowledge on this subject was reported to him by Solon (ca. 640 - 558 BCE) who, according to his own words, obtained it from Egyptian priests. It is believed by many esotericists, that Atlantis is the cradle of the Primordial Tradition, which flows through the Rosicrucian tradition.
Predynastic Egypt (10,000 to ca. 3,000 BCE)
According to the Primordial Tradition, the Atlanteans chose Egypt as the place to lay the foundation for what was to become the cultural and spiritual home of newborn antiquity.
Dynastic Egypt (ca. 3,000 to 30 BCE)
Legend tells us that the first King of Egypt was chosen from among the Atlanteans. Thutmose III (1473 - 1425 BCE) in addition to serving as Pharaoh, directed the mystery school at Karnak, and organized the mystery schools together as a single Order. Akhnaton (c. 1353 - c. 1335 BCE) was responsible for introducing monotheism to ancient Egypt, and inspiring an artistic revolution. After the conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, Egyptian culture and spirituality blended with Greek Hellenism and was highly influential throughout the Mediterranean. Through many historical paths this ancient Tradition finds a modern manifestation in the Rosicrucians.
Essenes (2nd century BCE -100 CE)
The Essenes were mystics who came together in spiritual communities throughout Egypt and Israel; one of these centers was most probably Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Jesus is believed by many to have been a member of the Essene community. Many of their practices paralleled those of the Pythagoreans. Among the different groups of Essenes were the Theraputae near Alexandria, specializing in healing, as described by Philo. Health of body, soul and spirit always figures prominently in the Rosicrucian tradition and its antecedents.
 Orphic Mysteries (ca. 6th century BCE - 391 CE)
The first of the known mystery schools in ancient Greece, the Orphic mysteries were associated with the life of the mythical figure of Orpheus. Some mystical texts describe him as being an initiate who truly existed. According to these texts, he spent twenty years in Egypt and was a member of the mystery school associated with Memphis.
Delphic Mysteries (1700 BCE - 391CE)
Delphi served as the spiritual center of Greece for over 2,000 years. The Pythia played a fundamental role in the oracles of Delphi. She was said to have the power to commune with the invisible world and speak on behalf of Apollo. The temple of Delphi exerted a tremendous influence in antiquity not only because of the oracles, but also because it housed a prestigious mystery school.
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