Akrotiri

On the Southwest tip of the island is the remains of the Minoan city of Akrotiri.  Now covered by a protective modern roof it predate Christ by 1500 years.

The whole site had been wonderfully preserved under a layer of volcanic ash for 3500 until its discovery in 1967.  No human remains have been found, so it is assumed the inhabitants had enough warning to make good their escape,

Pithi, large storage jars, some still containing traces of fish, oil and onion.

One of the most remarkable discoveries were the wall paintings or frescoes.  The oldest examples of art in Europe.  They now reside in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens