Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe
Introduction
Santorini, or Thira as it is officially known, is one of Greece's best-known islands in the southern Aegean Sea. It is the largest island in a small volcanic archipelago and is part of the Cyclades group of islands. It is famous for its whitewashed houses, blue domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets and attracts millions of visitors annually. The island's barren landscape, which was created due to a colossal volcanic eruption, adds to its charm and historical significance.
A Volcanic Past and the Legend of Atlantis
The history of Santorini is tied inseparably with its volcanic character. The island experienced one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history around 3,600 years ago, the Minoan eruption. It made the landmass in the center collapse, forming the famous caldera that we see today. Some historians and archaeologists have suggested that this catastrophe could have been the source of the legend of Atlantis, a mythical lost civilization Plato wrote about. The eruption also created enormous tsunamis that traveled to the ancient Minoan civilization on Crete.
Ancient Akrotiri
The city of Akrotiri, also known as the "Pompeii of the Aegean," reveals a highly advanced civilization before the eruption. Archaeological excavations reveal remarkably well preserved multi-story buildings, intricate frescoes, and a complex drainage system, all attesting to a prosperous and advanced civilization.
The beautiful art and artifacts discovered reveal close contact with other Mediterranean civilizations, such as Crete, Egypt, and Anatolia. The sudden volcanic catastrophe buried Akrotiri under layers of ash, where it lay for centuries.
Greek and Roman Times
Following the Bronze Age eruption, Santorini was uninhabited for centuries until it was reoccupied by the Phoenicians and subsequently the Dorians, who founded the city of Ancient Thera. During the Hellenistic period, the island evolved as an important naval base under the control of the Egyptian Ptolemies. It then flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule, with the construction of temples, theaters, and Christian basilicas. Over the centuries, Santorini witnessed the rise and fall of empires, each of which left its mark on its architectural and cultural landscape.
Santorini Today
Modern day Santorini is a globally renowned tourist destination celebrated for its scenic beauty, luxury resorts, and unique volcanic wines. Visitors flock to Oia and Fira to witness breathtaking sunsets over the caldera. The island's red and black sand beaches, formed due to the volcanic eruptions, are a stark contrast to the whitewashed villages. Further, the local cuisine and vineyards that produce Assyrtiko wine using volcanic land in Santorini attract food and wine enthusiasts. Though it is now a luxurious destination, the old world charm of Santorini remains intact and still lures visitors from all over the world.
