The Ancients The Minoan Eruption: Bronze Age Cataclysm
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Sep 7, 2025 In this engaging discussion, historian Steve Kershaw delves into the catastrophic Minoan eruption at Thera, which buried landscapes in ash over 3,500 years ago. The conversation explores the eruption's potential links to Plato's Atlantis and its profound impact on Minoan civilization. Kershaw highlights archaeological findings that reveal the cultural richness and daily lives of the Minoans before disaster struck. They also tackle the ongoing debates about the eruption's timeline and its lasting legacy on ancient societies and myths.
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A Massive Eruption Around 1625 BCE
- The Minoan eruption likely occurred around 1625 BCE and was one of the largest Bronze Age volcanic events.
- It propelled an eruption column 30–40 km high and reshaped Santorini's landscape permanently.
Akrotiri Evacuation Suggestion
- Akrotiri shows earthquake damage before the eruption and seems to have been evacuated.
- Excavators found no human remains and many portable valuables appear to have been taken away.
Ash, Pyroclastic Flows, And Deep Burial
- The eruption combined Plinian ash fallout with catastrophic pyroclastic flows that buried settlements.
- Over 100 metres of volcanic material were deposited, preserving buildings and art.
