Modern Akrotiri is a city built near the ancient, volcanic ash-covered, ancient settlement of Greece. Archaeologists call ancient Akrotiri the Pompeii of the Aegean Sea. This is 100% true. The only difference is that the inhabitants of Akrotiri were able to escape and left us the memory of their civilization, carefully preserved by nature, the streets of the ancient city.
Volcanic ash covered the whole of Akrotiri in a few days. But before the volcanic eruption and the natural cataclysm that followed, there was a powerful earthquake. The inhabitants of the city, founded no later than 1500 B.C., evacuated. This is evidenced by the giant excavations of the ancient city, which are open to view not only scientists, but also to anyone who wants to.
The excavations on the site of the ancient Akrotiri began in the 19th century, but the big restoration began only in 1967. Today, most of the city excavated by Greek archaeologists, is covered with a roof. Inside the excavated parts of the city, tourists walk freely.
The frescoes found in the excavations amazed even experienced archaeologists. Volcanic ash has completely preserved the ancient Greek city left for hours before it was completely destroyed. It has preserved magnificent frescoes that surprise even today with their realistic images and beauty of execution.
The emotional picture depicted in the frescoes reveals the inner world of the owners of Akrotiri in the time of Herodotus.
One of the best works is the meeting of a warship after a long campaign. The fresco shows how the inhabitants of the city came out to greet the warriors. The pier is filled with greeters, and the nature around the city is jubilant - the trees are in bloom and the fallow deer are rejoicing. This idyllic picture captures the mood of the inhabitants.
The city streets of Akrotiri in Hellenistic times are built up with multi-storey houses. The ancient architects built houses with light and spacious rooms close to the sun, on the upper floors.
The cellars and semi-cellars were used for storing food and belongings. These areas of the houses were used for household needs.
The streets of the city were cobbled with strong stones, and a drainage system, one of the oldest in European civilization, was used to divert water.
All these elements of Akrotiri's centuries-old way of life have survived to this day in splendid condition. On the excavation site you can walk through the streets, which have been partially restored to their original appearance.
Researchers, after a careful study of the frescoes, came to the conclusion that Akrotiri society knew no difference in the rights of men and women: they are on an equal footing and appear with equal frequency in the drawings in the homes of Akrotirians.
As various documents confirmed by excavations indicate, life in the city came to a standstill at the turn of 1613. After a series of earthquakes, a huge layer of volcanic ash covered the city of warriors, artisans and traders.
Some scholars compare the demise of Atlantis, the enigmatic city of sages and high technology, to Acrotiri.
We do not know all the information about Akrotiri, as the city has only been partially excavated. Most of the ancient settlement is still reliably preserved by a thick layer of ash from the destructive run of time.
According to archaeologists' calculations, there are at least 35 unexcavated houses and a lot of curious artifacts waiting for their explorers.
Museum hours at the excavation site are from 10.00-17.00. For more information you can call the museum directly: +30 22860 81939 or the Fira Prehistoric Museum: +30 22860 23217.
The excavations are located 13 km from the airport of Kamari and 9 km from the active port of Athenios. It is 11 km to Fira, the capital of the island. Near the site, 9 km away, is the beach of Kamari and many places for comfortable recreation. The best way to get there is by shuttle or by private, rented car.
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