Prehistoric finds on Greek island of Santorini hint at tsunami before volcano eruption
The discovery of loose layers of sea sand with small pebbles, gravel, and soil on the floor of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri in Santorini were attributed to deposits of a tidal wave (tsunami) that preceded the volcanic eruption that hit the Greek island nearly 3500 years ago.
Fig. 2 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
Overall, highly significant new data was unearthed during ongoing excavation work at Akrotiri on Thera, under the auspices of the Archaeological Society headed by Professor Emeritus Christos Doumas. The excavation is being carried out under the supervision of the Cyclades Ephorate of Antiquities and funded by the Kaspersky company.
Fig. 3 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
In the interior of the building, known as the “House of Benches” (figure 1), which was most probably a public one, was where the famous golden ibex had been found in 1999 and is now exhibited in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. It was placed inside a clay larnax next to a pile of animal horns. In 2019, an unexpectedly large number of unique findings was found under the disaster deposits:
Fig. 4 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
In Area 1, four ribbed vessels were brought to light that had been partially unearthed in earlier excavations (fig. 2), as well as bronze objects, such as two large double axes made of a very thin sheet of bronze as well as others in miniature (fig. 3), inner cores of horns and minute beads from one or more necklaces (fig. 4).
Fig. 5 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
Also, faience imitations of a triton shell and a nautilus (fig. 5), a bead of rock crystal shaped like a figure-eight shield (fig. 6), with remains of red thread through its hole. The above objects were found under the imprint of wooden construction and may have been hanging on it.
Fig. 6 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
Lastly, rosettes (fig. 7) were found in the backfills of the door openings of Area 1, possibly coverings of wooden elements. An inscribed fragment of the likeness of a triton is particularly emblematic.
Fig. 7 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
The inscription, consisting of Linear A syllabograms and an ideogram, is written in ink and is likely to be related to the use of the building.
Fig. 8 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
Loose layers of sea sand with small pebbles, gravel, and soil on the floor of Area 1 were attributed by geologist G. Vougioukalakis to deposits of a tidal wave (tsunami) that preceded the volcanic eruption.
Fig. 9 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
In Area 2, on the perimeter of the south and west flanks of the Depositor of Horns, sockets for at least six wooden piles were discovered, in which plaster had been poured to create casts. The excavation data shows that the piles created a kind of grid on which the horns were deposited (fig. 8). Found at the base of this grid, mixed with horns, were stone tools and utensils (fig. 9), such as 43 small open vessels and two closed ones, while right next to them lay remains of cloth and carbonized fruits. The dating of some vessels from the Late Cycladic 1a period confirms that the building was in use and functioning until the city’s final destruction.
Fig. 10. Small clay box. Inside it was found a Proto Cycladic female figurine of the Spedos variety in a supine position (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
To the west of the Deposit of Horns, another pair of small clay boxes were unearthed with the larger being upside down. The smaller box was stored inside it, in which in turn a wooden box had been sunk into clay mortar, as shown by its imprint. Kept inside this box was a marble Proto-Cycladic female figurine of the Spedos type in a supine position, missing the neck and head and the legs from below the knees. The inner surfaces of both the small clay containers and the wooden box are coated with vivid red color (fig. 10).
Fig. 11. One of the two clusters of Proto Cycladic miniature vessels discovered in the south west part of Area 2 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
In the southwestern part of Area 2, under broken flagstones, fragments of stone tools and sea pebbles, two clusters of miniature Proto-Cycladic vessels came to light. One consisted of 16 vessels placed around a wooden object (fig. 11), whose shape will hopefully be established after the plaster cast of its imprint has been lifted. The second cluster consisted of 131 miniature vessels inside a shallow cavity in the floor (fig. 12).
Fig. 12. One of the two clusters of Proto Cycladic miniature vessels discovered in the south west part of Area 2 (Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports)
Similar types of vessels have been found both in the greater area of the House of Benches and in the earlier phase of the settlement below the Cenotaph Square—a district that was probably associated with a burial cult. The small size and number of these vessels, their coarse construction and the complete absence of Proto-Cycladic graves similar to their burial offerings, indicate that they were mass-produced utensils for a specific purpose. Their concentration in the above places with an intense symbolism points to their being drinking vessels used during mass rituals.
It is obvious that the ongoing investigation of the House of Benches on the southern edge of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, next to Xeste 3—the important public building with its rich fresco decoration—is expected to reveal a host of new information that will give fresh impetus to interpreting essential questions on prehistoric Aegean society.
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
19/03 20:57
19/03 20:25
FinMIn: Moody’s analysis records significant progress in the Greek economy
19/03 11:15
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
18/03 22:20
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association honors Past Supreme President
16/03 13:01
Greek Deputy Foreign Μinister meets her Slovenian counterpart in Athens
16/03 12:56
Greek-Canadian Diaspora to welcome Greek Prime Minister to Toronto
16/03 11:28
Greek Migration Minister visits refugee hosting facilities in Kavala, Drama and Serres
15/03 21:50
Greek Minister announces conference on defence ecosystem in Athens from Lithuania
15/03 13:45
PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece
15/03 12:55
Piraeus Port and Genoa Chambers of Commerce ink memorandum of cooperation
14/03 23:43
President of Hellenic Republic meets Prime Minister of Slovakia in Bratislava
14/03 22:58
American Express report highlights Global Travel Trends during 2024
14/03 22:52
Four hospitals in Attica Region already organizing afternoon surgical procedures
14/03 22:49
US Ambassador to Athens: More flights from the United States to Greece and Thessaloniki
14/03 22:43
Greek archaeologists discover ten ancient shipwrecks off Aegean island of Kasos
14/03 19:32
No new intubations for Covid-19 recorded in Greece for the first time
14/03 18:36
Extra road safety measures adopted for Greek pre-lent carnival and Clean Monday
14/03 14:48
14/03 12:54
Electric buses to be deployed on the streets of Athens and Thessaloniki by May
13/03 22:23
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
The Economist magazine names recovering Greece Best 2022 Performer
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
Trapped rack-railway passengers returned safely to Diakopto in Peloponnese
Extra road safety measures adopted for Greek pre-lent carnival and Clean Monday
IPTO report: Rapid implementation of Crete-Attica electricity interconnection
European Commission: Greece assumes command of Red Sea maritime operation
Greece and Germany set up Working Group on shipping cooperation
TUI chief forecast: Tourism sector in Greece to break all records during 2024
Amendment tabled introducing postal vote for Diaspora Greeks in national elections
Pan-Rhodian Society holds NY ‘Artoklasia’ and Vasilopita at Island Park Panaghia
Saint Thomas Hellenic School organizes Parent Teacher Organization Fundraiser
Bill for non-state, non-profit universities being tabled in Greek Parliament on Thursday
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running