Akrotiri, Pompeii of the Aegean

By Barbara Aiken

Travel is an investment in who you become. With an open mind and a hunger to learn new and diverse elements of the world, travel is truly an education you cannot get inside the walls of the most prestigious university. In November 2025, I realized another of my dream destinations, the island of Santorini, Greece. It was breathtaking in all respects. Of course the magical town of Oia is a must see for its pristine, whitewashed buildings and ocean blue-domed churches – it will not disappoint.

Besides the usual attractions of Santorini, I decided to visit a place I had never heard of, Akrotiri, located on the southern coast of the island. Akrotiri is an amazing archaeological discovery. This Bronze Age settlement of more than 3,500 years ago is often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” Akrotiri was buried under ash from a massive volcanic eruption about 1,600 years before Vesuvius claimed Pompeii in Italy. What is astonishing is that both Akrotiri and Pompeii, though separated by 1,600 years, exhibit such high examples of similar sophistication.

A thriving area of the Bronze Age, there is evidence showing Akrotiri was a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Its location allowed for trade with Crete, the mainland of Greece, Egypt and the Near East. Archaeological findings show that Akrotiri was a flourishing community with a strong connection to the sea. The story of Akrotiri is revealed in the pottery, frescoes, furnishings and tools that have been unearthed.

I am always nonplussed by the sophistication of these ancient towns and cities. The ruins, many well preserved, allow us to reflect on the fact that they aren’t much different from our towns and cities today. Akrotiri had three and four story buildings constructed with advanced building techniques. I saw what remains of these structures and stood in awe of the knowledge these people had of stone masonry reinforced by wooden beams to aid in protection against earthquakes. This knowledge is one reason the ruins of Akrotiri are so well preserved thousands of years after its demise.

The citizens of Akrotiri enjoyed paved streets; their water, sewage and drainage systems were well planned, and some homes had their own indoor plumbing. The frescoes found at Akrotiri are exquisite, colorful renditions of daily life, nature, and ritualistic practices. The vivid colors and artistic detail of these frescoes shows the accomplished skill of the artists of the Bronze Age.

Around the 16^th century BC, the massive volcanic eruption of Thera covered the city in thick layers of ash. Unlike Pompeii, there is little evidence of human or animal remains at the site, leading experts to believe that inhabitants evacuated well in advance due to warning signs such as foreshocks. While the eruption caused widespread destruction across the region, the ash that buried Akrotiri also preserved it in astounding detail.

Excavations began in the late 19th century and ramped up in the 1960s under the direction of Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos. His work brought international attention to Akrotiri and uncovered much of what visitors can see today. The site is sheltered under a large bioclimatic structure, designed to protect the ruins while allowing visitors to walk through elevated pathways that overlook the ancient streets and buildings. 

Visitors to Akrotiri can observe neighborhoods, and streets with clusters of buildings standing several stories high. Rooms are clearly defined, and furniture such as beds, storage jars, cooking vessels and tools are scattered throughout; it’s almost as if the populace will return at any moment and continue what they were doing. 

While visiting this site, I learned that Akrotiri has led some historians to surmise that the destruction of this city was the basis for Plato’s Atlantis. This has not been proven and other such catastrophic events in the Mediterranean world have also been named as possible muses for Plato’s fable.

Akrotiri is a significant showcase of man’s capabilities. The well-crafted buildings, city systems such as water, sewer and trash infrastructures, the fine artistry and craftsmanship, and so much more symbolize the resilience and ingenuity of humanity. Even the makeup and jewelry worn by the women of Akrotiri can clearly be seen in the vibrant frescoes.

Inside the ruins of a church, archaeologists found a burial box; inside the box was an exquisitely executed solid gold statue of an ibex. The ibex is a wild mountain goat, revered by the people of Akrotiri. It was most likely a sacred symbol of fertility, prosperity and divinity. It shows a close connection of the Minoan people to nature. This golden ibex was probably intentionally left behind as an offering to their gods.

For those journeying to Santorini, be sure to set time aside for a look back to ancient Akrotiri. It stands in contrast to the picture postcard panoramas of Santorini and allows for a look back while looking forward. It is an inspiring location that will give you renewed hope of the strength and resilience of humankind.

Barbara enjoys traveling as often as possible and can be reached at: [email protected].