What Volcano Erupted in Ancient Greece?

In ancient Greece, there were several volcanoes that erupted over the course of history. However, one of the most notable eruptions occurred on the island of Santorini, also known as Thera.

The Eruption

The eruption of the Santorini volcano occurred around 1600 BCE and was one of the largest volcanic events in recorded history. The eruption was so massive that it is believed to have caused a significant impact on Minoan civilization, which was located on the nearby island of Crete.

The Impact

The eruption of Santorini is believed to have caused widespread devastation throughout the region. It is thought to have triggered tsunamis that reached as far as Egypt and caused damage to coastal cities and settlements. The ash and pumice from the eruption are also believed to have caused crop failures and famine throughout the region.

The Discovery

The Santorini volcano remained dormant for centuries following its eruption until it was rediscovered by French archaeologist Fournier in 1866. Fournier’s excavation led to significant discoveries about Minoan civilization, including its architecture, art, and daily life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the eruption of Santorini was a significant event in ancient Greek history that had a profound impact on neighboring civilizations. Today, visitors can see evidence of this powerful natural disaster at the archaeological site in Akrotiri on Santorini Island.