During archaeological excavations near the modern village of Akrotiri on Santorini island was discovered one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. The real name of this settlement is not known to historians.

The earliest finds discovered during the excavations attest the presence of settlements in the 4th Millennium BC Akrotiri associated with the Minoan civilization due to the use of Linear A (a kind of Cretan writing) and the close similarity of artifacts and style of the frescoes.

The settlement developed rapidly and approximately 20-17 centuries BC grew here as one of the major urban centres and ports of the Aegean sea. The city occupies about 20 hectares and was equipped with sophisticated drainage and Sewerage systems and multi-storey houses (discovered during excavations), in which are preserved the magnificent wall paintings, furniture, household utensils and much more. It was also found many items were delivered from the outside (from Crete, mainland Greece, Syria, Egypt, Cyprus, etc.), which indicates a well-developed trade connections.

Suppose that at the end of the 17th century, people began gradually to leave the city because of frequent earthquakes. After a strong volcanic eruption, around 1500 BC, the city was completely buried under a layer of volcanic rock and ash, allowing him, however, perfectly preserved to our time. During the excavations were found unburied human remains, suggesting a prompt evacuation.

The first evidence of an ancient settlement were discovered in the late 19th century, but systematic excavations were started much later - only in 1967, a famous Greek archaeologist Professor Spyridon marinatos under the auspices of the Archaeological society in Athens.

Today the ancient relics found in Akrotiri and having great historical significance, can be seen in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, and Archeological and Prehistoric museums in Fira (Santorini).