Akrotiri (prehistoric city) was destroyed in the Theran eruption, in the 16th century, and buried and preserved in ash

Sleeping volcanos
There is a variety of evidence about the eruption that destroyed Akrotiri. It probably ocured between 1620 and 1530 BC.

Did you know? Records in material cultures, and unusual growth patterns of tree rings actually suggest there could have been multiple eruptions.

History
A small fishing and farming village. The earliest neolithic evidence in Akrotiri can be traced back as early as the fifth millennium BC.
As evidented by the pottery at the site, by the 3rd century, this community was thriving. Its growth begin neolithically with trade relations, in agriculture, farming, and pottery. And, its strategic position on the primary sailing route between Cyprus and Minoan Crete made it an important point trade route. Proven by the paved streets and extensive drainage system. Akrotiri prospered.

Excavation and location
The Akrotiri site is on the Greek island of Santorini. Paintings, pottery, furniture, advanced drainage systems and three-story buildings have been discovered at the site.

Excavations
F Fouque begain archaeological excavations in 1867. Extensive modern excavation was started in 1967 by Spyridon Marinatos. Akrotiri in the Bronze age was revealed. For the archaeologists (many of whom had no experience with volcaniclly barried cities), life became extremely challenging.

Frescoes (a painting done rapidly with water colour, on a plaster wall or ceiling, so the colours penetrate the plaster and become fixed as it dries)
The frescoes in Akrotiri are important for the study of art because they are well preserved. Almost of all the other paintings from this age are broken, and in small pieces. Paintings at Akrotiri include white, yellow, red, brown, blue and black. Popular Frescoes found standing included the Fisherman and the Lady from the House of Ladies.

Pottery was significant
Volcanic eruptions happen quick. Because people needed to get out, meant they could only take most valuable possessions. At Akrotiri, a lot of pottery was left behind.
Jars were used as containers. Things like stirrup jars were used for transportation. Archaeologists even found vessels for preparing and cooking food, eating and drinking and many others. It is believed some of the pottery at there included: bathtubs, braziers, oil lamps, bee-hives, and flower pots. The eruption did not spell well for wood.

Akrotiri today
Connecting the neolithic and modern world. There is a a cool mountain bike, and hiking path from the modern settlement to the parking lot of excavations at Akrotiri.