GeologyEurope

Thera explodes

1,601 BCE

One of the most violent eruptions in human history

In depth

The eruption is one of archaeology's most important fixed points and one of its fiercest disputes: radiocarbon points to the seventeenth century BCE, Egyptian king lists to a century later. The whole Mediterranean chronology hangs on that disagreement. Akrotiri had several storeys, running water and no bodies found — the people got out in time.

For children

The volcanic island of Thera blew itself apart. Ash fell across the eastern Mediterranean, and a tsunami struck Crete. The town of Akrotiri was buried in ash — and preserved, wall paintings and all, for three and a half thousand years.

Connects to

The Minoans on Crete2,001 BCE – 1,451 BCE
Mycenae1,601 BCE – 1,101 BCE

Part of Terra Saga — the story of Earth on a timeline. terrasaga.org