Overview:

Ancient Thera, also known as Ancient Santorini, is an archaeological site on the Greek island of Santorini in the Cyclades. It is located on the steep slope of Mt. Vouna at an altitude of 396m, overlooking the caldera of the volcano that destroyed the original city and its port. The remains of the original city date back to the Bronze Age and include scattered buildings and walled fortifications. Of particular interest are the remains of the six-story acropolis, or holy place. There are also pots, jewelry, and votive offerings. The city was destroyed by the eruption of the volcano around 1627 BC. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Harbor - The fortified harbor of Ancient Thera was the main port of entry and trading hub of Santorini during the time of the Minoan civilization. The harbor is located on the southeast side of the island and features a long breakwater that protects vessels from choppy waters. 2. Ancient Town - The ruins of Ancient Thera are home to a sprawling settlement of Minoan remains and artifacts. Visitors can easily explore the ruins and discover the impressive architecture of the city’s streets, temples, and public buildings. 3. Akrotiri Archaeological Site - One of the most important and s important archaeological sites in the world, Akrotiri is a Minoan city on Santorini that was buried under the ash of the volcano's eruption in the 17th century BC. Visitors will find a wealth of well-preserved buildings, frescoes, and pottery pieces here. 4. Hot Springs - Visitors to Santorini can also take advantage of the island’s naturally occurring geothermal hot springs. The springs feature warm, mineral-rich waters which are purported to have healing properties. 5. Santorini Volcano - Not to be missed, the Santorini Volcano is located near the island’s center and is believed to have been what caused the island to form roughly 400,000 years ago. Visitors can also take boat rides to the nearby volcanic islands, which feature lava tubes, black sand beaches, and stunning scenery. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

Ancient Thera on Santorini was first settled during the Prehistoric period (3.14th Century) and is thought to be named after the mythological figure of the son of Poseidon, Theras. Santorini itself is believed to have been formed by an eruption of a supervolcano around 3.6 million years ago. The first known settlement on Santorini is Akrotiri, believed to have been founded around the 4th millennium BCE by Minoan settlers. Akrotiri’s prosperous settlement flourished for centuries and was highly advanced for its time. This was evidenced by the discovery of their advanced city planning and sophisticated building techniques. The earliest city of Ancient Thera was founded in the 8th century BCE by the Dorians. A new city, also named Ancient Thera, was then established in the 6th century BCE in the southwest of the island. It was a thriving city and was part of the Delian League. It was here that the famous Temple of Apollo was constructed, which still stands today. Thera was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BCE, believed to have been the deadliest natural disaster in human history. The city was buried in volcanic ash and buried beneath the sea. The once bustling city was lost until it was rediscovered in 1967 by a team of archaeologists. The ruins are now a popular tourist destination, giving visitors a glimpse into the past and a glimpse of life in Ancient Thera. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Santorini was given the name “Thera” by the Minoans in the 2nd millennium BC, who named it after the mythical Greek figure Thira. 2. Ancient Thera was one of the largest cities in the Aegean and was believed to have a population of up to 10,000 people in its heyday. 3. The city was destroyed by the Minoan eruption of 1600 BC - the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history - which spread materials from Thera all over the world. 4. The city was rebuilt after the eruption and was then occupied by the Romans, who made it part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. 5. Archaeological digs at the site have revealed many artifacts from the city’s history, such as ancient pottery, coins, jewelry, and sculptures. 6. Thera was also home to a powerful democracy, with a large council chamber where citizens could elect representatives to govern. 7. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century AD, but its cultural legacy lives on in modern-day Santorini. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era