History
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The history of the island of Thera
Satorini’s name comes from the ancient name Thera. It used to be a large round island, and this is why it was originally called Strongili (the greak word for ‘round’). Another name given to the island was Kallisti (beauty), because of its renown attractiveness. The eruption of the volcano gave the island its shape. The many following smaller eruptions also had their role in the former shape of Santorini.
"Known as Calliste ("Most Beautiful") in antiquity, Thera was occupied before 2000 BC.“(Encyclopaedia Britannica)
"Before 1500 B.C. the sea must have been further inland, as has been shown by the well dug near the south gate of the site, where brackish water was struck at a depth of about 6 m in the layer of pumice and below the ash layer....The spot lies about 200 m inland, in the valley between the hill of Mesovouna (east) and the ride of Mavro Rhachidhi (west). This location, sheltered by the surrounding hills, would have been idea for of prehistoric Akrotiri. In my opinion, it is this harbor which is depicted in the wall-painting of the fleet from the West House."
(Christos G. Doumas Thera - Pompeii of the Ancient Aegean)