Akrotiri Excavation Site, Santorini (must see)

The Akrotiri Excavation Site in Santorini is a significant archaeological site that unveils a well-preserved Cycladic Bronze Age settlement. Named after the nearby village of Akrotiri, this site offers a unique glimpse into ancient life due to its exceptional preservation in volcanic ash from the Theran eruption in the 16th century BCE.

The earliest signs of human activity at Akrotiri date back to the fifth millennium BCE, starting as a modest fishing and farming village. By the end of the third millennium BCE, Akrotiri had developed into a thriving community, likely bolstered by trade with other Aegean cultures, as evidenced by foreign pottery fragments found at the site. Its strategic location on the main sailing route between Cyprus and Minoan Crete further facilitated its growth, particularly in the copper trade. This prosperity is reflected in the settlement’s sophisticated infrastructure, which included paved streets, an extensive drainage system, and advanced craft production.

Excavations on Santorini started in the 19th century, but it was Spyridon Marinatos's comprehensive excavations in 1967 that unveiled the significance of Akrotiri. Marinatos's efforts led to the discovery of the buried city, revealing buildings preserved to heights of more than one story, which posed distinctive challenges for the excavation process.

Excavated artifacts are now housed in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, showcasing a wide array of objects and artworks, including pottery, which is abundant due to the sudden evacuation of the town. The variety of pottery found, from storage jars to cooking vessels, provides insight into the daily life and activities of the settlement’s inhabitants.

One noteworthy aspect of the excavation is the preservation of furniture. Volcanic ash created molds of disintegrated wooden objects, allowing archaeologists to use plaster to create casts of furniture, such as beds and tables. Offering tables, often found at the site, were made of clay or plaster and decorated similarly to wall paintings.

Why You Should Visit:
Very carefully prepared space showing a whole village's old buildings and life. Excellent guides and lots of information.
The whole area is covered with a hi-tech roof, so you can walk without being grilled by the sun.