The history of Santorini is closely linked to the geophysical characteristics of the region. About 2.000.000 years ago, as a result of a series of volcanic activity in the area, the island of Santorini and its Caldera were formed. It is important that this be mentioned because the Santorini Volcano has played an essential role in the existence of the island from prehistoric times to present day. The island was originally named Kallisti, Strogylli, and Thira, before becoming Santorini.
According to Santorini history, its first inhabitants were Pre-hellenistic in the Bronze Age. They were followed by the Phoenicians, the Dorians, and the Minoans, who made Santorini a great center of the Minoan civilization. During this era, the Minoan Settlement of Akrotiri was built, which eventually became to be known as the Lost Continent of Atlantis.
At around 1550 - 1500 BC, a massive volcano eruption changed the history of Santorini forever, swallowing the whole island. The Santorini Volcano's destructive powers reached as far as the coast of Crete. The name Thira was given to the Santorini Island by the King of Sparta, Thiras, who brought the Spartan way of life to the island. The Spartans would lose but then regain rule over the Santorini during the Persian War.
Later, Santorini became part of the Roman Empire. The latter was subsequently divided, leaving the eastern parts to the Byzantine Empire. The spread of Christianity had a profound effect on the way the history of Santorini would develop. Santorini Island eventually had its own church and bishop, and this lasted until 1204 AD, the time of the Fall of Constantinople.
Venetians conquered the island and named it Santorini, after Saint Irene, a church on the island. It remained under Venetian rule until 1579, when it was conquered by the Ottomans. Meanwhile, in 1452, another eruption of the Santorini Volcano caused the emergence of the isle of Palea Kameni and the changing of the shaped of the Santorini Caldera. During the Ottoman rule, Santorini was given a fair amount of autonomy, with local representative handling the day to day affairs of the island. It remained this way until its liberation after the 1821 Greek Revolution.
The long and rich history of Santorini Greece can be seen in the many amazing historical sites on the island. There is Ancient Thira and the Akrotiri site, as well as a number of Venetian ruins and lovely churches. The Santorini Caldera and Volcano are reminders of how closely linked the island is to the forces of nature; and it is this fact that gives the Santorini its mystical aura.
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