TRAVEL/PHOTOGRAPHY/HISTORY
Our Visit to Akrotiri, the Archaeological Site on the Island of Santorini, Greece
Exploring the well-preserved Minoan town and its possible connection to Atlantis
“Any archaeologist who delves into the ruins of the town has the feeling that he is witnessing the history of a consumer society.” — Christos Doumas, Professor Emeritus University of Athens, Director of the Akrotiri Archaeological Excavations
The ancient Akrotiri site in Santorini dates back almost 4,000 years. Despite being engulfed in one of the Earth’s most massive volcanic eruptions, it has remarkably well-preserved remains.
The city’s destruction draws frequent comparisons to Pompeii, as both civilizations met similar fates due to volcanic activity.
The meticulous excavation of both sites from layers of volcanic ash unveiled extensive remains. It provides a vivid snapshot of these ancient cities frozen in time.
Akrotiri history
Akrotiri, located on the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea, holds a fascinating history dating back to the 4th millennium BC.
Akrotiri started as a small fishing and farming village in the late Neolithic period. It then grew into a bustling settlement covering up to 20 hectares during the Bronze Age.
Unlike Pompeii, established around 600 BC, Akrotiri predates it by more than 4000 years. It offers a unique peek into the life of ancient Minoans.
The city succeeded due to its prime location along the trade route between Europe and the Middle East. Akrotiri developed into a prosperous port city with a democratic government system, including its own parliament.
Residents enjoyed advanced amenities. Some amenities included two- and three-story houses with balconies, underfloor heating, hot and cold running water, and some of the earliest indoor toilets.
The Minoan people decorated Akrotiri with detailed painted frescoes, produced their own wine, and crafted furniture, pots, and sculptures. These all showcased a high level of sophistication during the Bronze Age.
Akrotiri’s downfall occurred between 1620 and 1530 BC when the powerful Thera volcano erupted, devastating the area. This eruption, one of history’s largest volcanic events, buried Akrotiri under 200-foot ash and debris. It changed Santorini’s shape and left the island uninhabited for centuries.
While Pompeii has revealed human remains, Akrotiri’s lack of such findings suggests that residents were able to evacuate before the eruption.
The volcanic event affected Akrotiri and shaped the entire island of Santorini, forming its current layout of five islands.
The discovery of Akrotiri was accidental in 1866 during the construction of the Suez Canal. Official excavations started in the early 1870s.
Extensive archaeological work commenced in 1967, led by Spyridon Marinatos. Ongoing excavations have unveiled approximately 40 buildings. It showed a bustling city with advanced infrastructure, public roads, sewage systems, and multi-story buildings.
In Pompeii, a tragic demise is well-documented with human remains. Akrotiri, in contrast, offers a distinct perspective on an ancient civilization that managed to evacuate before disaster struck.
This preserved archaeological site continues to reveal the mysteries of the past.
Possible Connection to Atlantis
Akrotiri’s intricate layout and advanced society have led scholars and historians to consider it a possible inspiration for Plato’s legendary city of Atlantis.
In Plato’s dialogues Timaios and Kritias, he describes the sudden downfall of a highly developed civilization on an island. This story, some experts believe, could be linked to the eruption of Thera and the subsequent vanishing of Akrotiri.
This theory is supported by the parallels between Plato’s account and the real-life events surrounding Akrotiri. Although, there are uncertainties surrounding the settlement’s original name.
My Family’s Visit
During our visit to Santorini in May 2023, my family and I decided to stop at Akrotiri.
Our exploration of Akrotiri without a guide had limitations since there wasn’t much information for visitors. The lack of signage and interactive features at the site made it challenging to grasp its historical significance fully.
Be that as it may, we were still captivated by the experience of wandering through the ruins. It was interesting to envision the daily lives of the people who once called this place home.
The well-preserved buildings, streets, and artifacts served as a tangible connection to the past. It allowed us to immerse ourselves in history.
Here are some photos I clicked of the Minoan ruins at Akrotiri in May 2023.
Final Thoughts
While Akrotiri may not possess the same level of visual impact as Pompeii, it still offers a valuable opportunity to explore an ancient civilization. It would have been preferable to have a guide as it would have supplemented the limited information available at the site.
It may not currently be considered a “must-see” due to the absence of interactive features. Nonetheless, the chance to walk through the ruins and immerse oneself in history remains a fascinating experience for those interested in archaeology and ancient cultures.
References
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/prehistoric-town-of-akrotiri
- https://www.greecetravelsecrets.com/akrotiri-archaeology-site/
- https://www.ontheluce.com/ancient-city-akrotiri-santorini/
- https://www.historyhit.com/locations/akrotiri/
- https://sofiaadventures.com/visit-akrotiri-santorini-archaeological-site/
What are some ancient ruins you have visited? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you to the inspiring editorial team at Globetrotters, JoAnn Ryan, Anne Bonfert, Adrienne Beaumont, Jillian Amatt — Artistic Voyages, and Michele Maize.
