Santorini has a rich history and civilization to its credit. The earliest and first signs of human existence in Santorini can be traced back to the Neolithic period. According to historical accounts, Santorini had a flourishing civilization around 3600 B.C. Excavations at Akrotiri, which is a major archaeological site in Santorini, shows the existence of a prosperous Minoan civilization there. The findings here are similar to those of the Minoan Civilization of Crete. The southern side of a large town has been discovered in Akrotiri, along with remnants of walls, buildings, streets, squares, potteries, ceramic jars, wall ornaments, staircases and wall paintings. Many of the walls are as high as eight meters. History reveals that this town was destroyed in the famous Thera eruption.
The ancient town also had highly developed drainage system and historical research shows that its inhabitants were cultured and rich people. Many of the houses were three storied and protected with high walls. Many of the frescoes have retained their original colors in spite of the volcanic devastations. The sophisticated architecture and planning suggest that the Minoan culture was highly developed.
Ancient SantoriniAccording to historians, the colossal volcanic eruption that followed in about 1,600 BC destroyed the town of Akrotiri. Because of the volcanic eruption, Santorini, which used to be a round island, changed in shape: the middle of the island sunk and gave rise to the semicircular shape that it has today. This theory has given rise to Santorini's similarity with the mythical Atlantis. The volcanic eruption also gave rise to massive tsunamis, which damaged the entire Minoan civilization in Crete.
During the Roman times, the island was mainly used for exiles but later it was developed and built up by them. The island got its present name in the Venetian times. Actually, the name Santorini comes from Santa Irene. In 1579, the island fell in the hands of the Turks until it was liberated after the Greek War of Independence and became part of the Greek State. In the strong earthquake of 1956, almost 85% of the island was destroyed. Santorini started to recover from its damages only after the 1970s. Today it is known as a popular tourist destination and in fact most of its inhabitants make their living from tourism.
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