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Akrotiri (prehistoric city)
36.3514° N, 25.4036° E
About
Akrotiri (Greek: Ακρωτήρι, pronounced Greek: [akroˈtiri]) is the site of a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini (Thera). The name comes from the nearby village of Akrotiri. The settlement was destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BCE and buried in volcanic ash, which preserved the remains of fine frescoes and many objects and artworks. Akrotiri has been excavated since 1967 after earlier excavations on Santorini.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Earliest habitation evidence
5th millennium BCE
Community expansion
end of the 3rd millennium BCE
Theran eruption and destruction
c. 1620–1530 BCE (radiocarbon range); alternative archaeological range 1570–1500 BCE; tree-ring candidates 1597, 1560, 1546, 1544 BCE
F. Fouque excavations
1867
German excavations on Mesa Vouno
1895–1900
Modern excavation begins
1967
Leadership change
1975
Protective roof collapse
2005
Site closure to visitors
2005–April 2012
Excavations paused and resumed
2005–2016
Small shrine discovery
October 2018
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Miscellaneous Features
Industrial and Craft Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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