Santorini’s commanding volcano has left an indelible mark on the memory of humankind and global tradition, primarily due to the Minoan Eruption. This catastrophic event, believed to have occurred around 1613 B.C. according to historical sources, resulted in the eruption of the volcano, which devastated a significant part of the island and contributed to the decline of the ancient Minoan civilization.

The major eruption unleashed high tsunamis that engulfed the fleet and seaside villages of Crete. Simultaneously, the release of large quantities of carbon dioxide and sulfur into the atmosphere caused a temperature decrease, leading to frost and rainfall that wreaked havoc on agriculture. The cumulative impact of these adverse effects, coupled with extensive damage to buildings and important Minoan centers, ultimately led to the decline and subsequent extinction of Cretan dominance in the Mediterranean.

Furthermore, the volcanic activity reshaped the landscape, destroying the majority of Stroggili, as Thira was known then due to its circular shape. This transformation gave rise to the Caldera of Santorini. In the sea-chasm formed between Thera and Therasia, with a depth of 1500 meters, volcanic cones emerged over time, creating the islands Palaia, Mikri, and Nea Kameni of Georgios A’. Notably, Palaia Kameni gradually grew and became interconnected, forming a distinctive part of the evolving Santorini archipelago.

Behind the legend

Such a major eruption naturally sparked the imagination of people and correlated volcanic activity with various legends, such as the one of the lost city of Atlantis. Plato’s descriptions of the mythic city perfectly match the appearance of ancient Stroggili. This viewpoint has found support among some scientists who have extensively studied the area. The fact that a large part of the island was submerged after the catastrophic eruption fueled claims about the location of Atlantis in the Aegean. However, the geographic location and the existence of the lost city itself belong in the realm of folklore tradition and are vehemently disputed by many representatives of the scientific world.

There are also accounts that link the activity of the Theran Volcano with the Old Testament. This connection could potentially explain some of the wounds of the pharaoh described in Jewish tradition, such as the pollution of the rivers. The intricate interplay between historical events, mythology, and scientific inquiry continues to be a subject of exploration and debate.

What about now?

The island has experienced volcanic activity throughout its history, with smaller explosions contributing to the ever-changing shape of Santorini and the formation of entirely new landmasses around the island. The volcano has been a recurring concern for the area, with eruptions occurring during the 21st century. Notable instances include eruptions that took place during the time periods of 1925-1928 and 1939-1941, resulting in the formation of domes and new craters. Additionally, in 1950, the volcano exhibited its most recent activity.