The earliest facilities at Akrotiri date back to The Late Neolithic era (at least from 4,000 BC). During the Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) there has been already a settlement at Akrotiri. In the middle and then Bronze Age (in the 17th century BC approximately) this settlement expanded and became one of the most important urban centers and ports of the Aegean. The location was ideal for safe anchorage, as it was protected from the northerly winds, while at the same time the terrain’s morphology favored the development of agricultural activities. Its large area (about 200 acres), its excellent urban planning organization, its modern sewer, its ornate high-rise buildings with excellent fresco decoration, rich furnishings and household appliances testify to its great development. The various imported products found within the buildings highlight the Akrotiri’s external relations. Akrotiri maintained close relations with Minoan Crete but also had contacts with Greece’s mainland, as well as the Dodecanese, Cyprus, Syria, and Egypt.
Life in the Akrotiri ended abruptly in the last quarter of the 17th century BC, when its inhabitants decided to leave it due to strong earthquakes. Findings that reinforce this fact, that the inhabitants of the prehistoric settement were forced to leave the city unexpectedly, are evidenced by the fact that the work of opening the roads was never completed, while a large number of vessels were found on piles of debris, where, apparently, they were initially placed to be transported to safer places. The eruption of the volcano followed, with volcanic ash covering Akrotiri and the whole island, giving today's visitor the opportunity to tour this ancient settlement and make a trip through history.
