
At that time the island of Thera had 30,000
inhabitants, a flourishing economy and was part of the world’s first European civilisation
- the Cycladic and Minoan civilisation. The houses in Akrotiri- the main port
of the island at the time- were twο or even three storey high, had
highly developed drainage system, and exquisite wall paintings.
The islanders were involved in trade, agriculture and
wine-making. There was no army or defensive castles for protection. All
evidence found leads us to believe that the islanders were sophisticated and
cultured people that enjoyed a calm, peaceful and wealthy life, as it is clearly
depicted in the frescoes found in the Akrotiri excavations.