Atlantis - the oldest myth of mankind, the story about a prosperous land that disappeared without trace, sunk into the sea by the anger of gods - stands for the dream of the lost paradise. There is sufficient evidence to believe the connection between Santorini and the Atlantis myth. This speculation as well as Plato's description of Atlantis from 360 BCE was popularized by the History Channel's "Lost Worlds" series. According to Plato, Atlantis was a circular island inhabited by an immensely gifted, highly civilized, prosperous people. According to the legend, the island disappeared in one single night of destruction and mayhem caused by a terrible earthquake followed by a deluge. Geological and archaeological explorations have revealed the fascinating likelihood that the vanishing of Atlantis may be linked to the Bronze Age calamity caused by the massive explosion in the Aegean Sea. The catastrophe was so devastating that it inundated the caldera and completely ruined the highly evolved Minoan civilization which used to be an integral part of Santorini island. 

           

If geological history is accurate, Santorini has always been prone to volcanic activity. Archaeologists have unearthed clinching evidence of the fact that there used to be several highly evolved civilizations in Santorini some of which dates back to 1300 BCE. Having witnessed many eruptions, it is not unlikely that these civilizations were completely devastated by the eruption of the catastrophic Santorini volcano. Excavations carried out in the vicinity of the city of Akrotiri have revealed Bronze Age remains of a vast and exciting city. The paintings and murals that have been unearthed clearly indicate that the Thera Island was once upon a time inhabited by the Minoans. Archaeologists further point out to the fact that Thera had a flourishing economy and the Minoans were great seafarers and carried out trade and commerce with other Mediterranean countries. Today, all that is left are the ruins which are hidden under a substantial cover of pumice which the Bronze Age explosion generated. If Radiometric analysis is anything to go by, the explosion occurred between 1615-1645 BCE.