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| Akrotiri |
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Akrotiri is a Minoan city that was buried by a volcanic explosion about 1640BCE. Unlike Pompeii, it appares that there was plenty of warning and the people were able to evacuate before their city was overcome. Akrotiri had been a city of some size for hundreds of years before its destruction. (1998 photos; click for larger version). |
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You can walk through a portion of the site. It is sheltered under an artificial roof - I hear this may be in the process of being replaced in 2005 so check with tourist information for the current situation. The city had features we might consider 'advanced' for such an early time - including stair ways as shown here. |
| Not all the site has been excavated yet. Excavations have been continuing since 1967, I think. |
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A number of very interesting frescos were found at this site, but they have been moved to the National Museum in Athens. Other interesting finds are at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. |
| Links |
Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Up 6/16/05) |
