Archaeological Site of Akrotiri

One of the most important archaeological sites in the world is located in Akrotiri, Santorini. One of the most complete, best preserved prehistoric settlements was discovered here. Its first traces date back to about 4500 BC and stop at the time of the great volcanic eruption in 1600 BC. Excavations were begun in the second half of the 19th century by the French geologist Fouqué and continued by the French School of Archaeology (1870). The work was pursued vigorously by Professor Spyridon Marinatos starting in 1967, and excavations continue to this day, as it is believed that only a small part of the original settlement has been revealed. Especially noteworthy are the remarkably detailed frescoes, including the representations of fishermen, the blue monkeys, and the crocus gatherers. The ash of the volcanic eruption and the mud that covered the whole settlement afterwards are the main causes of its good preservation up to the present day.