According to the legend of Atlantis, civilization began when gods from the stars came to earth to start the human race. After this development reached its apex, a period of decline came about, and the gods went to war, which led to the sinking of Atlantis. The advanced knowledge of Atlantis did not die, but was taken to the safety of Egypt and other locations by a secret brotherhood. In Legend of Atlantis: Vol. 1 - The Dawn of the Gods, this brotherhood, supported by extraterrestrial guardians, has used this knowledge to influence political systems and other aspects of modern culture.