Akrotiri, Crete

Akrotiri, Crete is a Minoan archaeological site located on the Greek island of Crete, near the modern town of Agios Nikolaos and the Palace of Knossos. The site is situated on the southern coast of Crete, close to the Libyan Sea and the Aegean Sea, and is part of the Heraklion regional unit. Akrotiri is also near the Mount Ida range and the Psiloritis mountain, and is not far from the Palace of Phaestos and the Gortyn archaeological site.

Geography

The geography of Akrotiri is characterized by its location on the southern coast of Crete, near the Messara plain and the Asterousia mountains. The site is situated near the Koutsounari beach and the Matala bay, and is close to the Agiofarago gorge and the Rouvas forest. Akrotiri is also near the Palaiochora town and the Elafonisi lagoon, and is part of the Chania regional unit. The site is surrounded by the White Mountains and the Mount Kedros range, and is not far from the Lake Kournas and the River Almyros.

History

The history of Akrotiri dates back to the Minoan period, around 2600 BC, when the site was an important Minoan city. The city was destroyed by the Minoan eruption of the Thera volcano, which occurred around 1500 BC and was similar to the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. Akrotiri was also influenced by the Mycenaeans and the Dorians, who settled on the island of Crete after the Greek Dark Ages. The site was later visited by the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, and was also occupied by the Ottoman Empire during the Cretan War (1645-1669).

Archaeology

The archaeology of Akrotiri is significant, with many important discoveries made at the site, including the Fresco of the Saffron Gatherers and the Fresco of the Boxing Boys. The site was excavated by the Greek Archaeological Society and the University of Athens, and is now a popular tourist destination, along with the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Akrotiri is also home to the Xeste 3 building, which features many well-preserved Minoan frescoes, including the Fresco of the Blue Monkeys. The site is not far from the Gournia archaeological site and the Malia palace, and is part of the Minoan palaces of Crete.

Climate

The climate of Akrotiri is characterized by its location in the Mediterranean region, with hot summers and mild winters. The site is influenced by the North African climate and the European climate, and is not far from the Tropic of Cancer. Akrotiri is also affected by the Etesian winds, which blow from the Aegean Sea during the summer months. The site is close to the Mount Olympus range and the Pindus mountains, and is part of the Greek climate zone, which includes the Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese.

Economy

The economy of Akrotiri is based on Tourism, with many visitors coming to the site each year to see the Minoan ruins and the Frescoes. The site is also supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture and the European Union, which provide funding for the excavation and preservation of the site. Akrotiri is not far from the Port of Heraklion and the Chania International Airport, and is part of the Cretan economy, which includes the Agriculture of Olives and Grapes. The site is also close to the University of Crete and the Technical University of Crete, and is part of the Greek education system, which includes the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Category:Archaeological sites in Greece