by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
~ Peacefulmind.com
Famous for its white buildings and churches and some of the most eye-popping sunsets in the world, Santorini is a shining jewel in the Crown of the Greek Islands.
Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption destroyed the earliest single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon is surrounded by high, steep cliffs on three sides.
Due to even more recent evidence, the island’s pre-eruption shape and landscape frescoes located under the ash, both strongly resemble Plato’s description of the lost city of Atlantis. No matter what the appeal, this collection embraces the magic and color of an endless summer!
The Athenian philosopher Plato (427- 437 BC) is the first known source to write about the myth of Atlantis. According to Plato, the Atlanteans lived in peace and prosperity on an island beyond the Pillars of Hercules (the modern-day Strait of Gibraltar). This has led many to speculate that Atlantis may have been located in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere between Europe and America. However, some question whether such an advanced civilization as Plato described could have existed in the distant past.
Historians have noted similarities between Plato’s Atlantis and the real-life Minoan settlement of Akrotiri, found on the island of Santorini. Akrotiri was a sophisticated city that was destroyed around 1500 BC by a massive volcanic eruption on Santorini. The eruption was so powerful that it triggered tsunamis that devastated Minoan settlements on northern Crete. Plato’s description of Atlantis’s destruction shares many details with the fate of Akrotiri, which also vanished without a trace.
The fact that Akrotiri was buried under volcanic ash from the Santorini eruption has led some to suggest that it could be the inspiration for the legend of Atlantis, a city said to have disappeared in a single night. Additionally, archaeologists have found that ancient Thera (Santorini) had a thriving economy, and the Minoans were skilled seafarers who traded with other Mediterranean nations.
Elements of Trade from Santorini
Santorini’s influence on ancient trade resonated throughout the Aegean world, its impact far-reaching. The island’s wealth of resources, shaped by Minoan culture, and its advantageous position made it a key player in the region’s economic growth.
As a bustling hub of commerce, Santorini drew in merchants from across the ancient world – Egypt, Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean. Its location provided a gateway to global markets, facilitating the exchange of diverse goods. Valuables like exquisite fabrics, rare metals, and fragrant spices changed hands. Through the export of resources such as iron, wine, and seafood, Santorini solidified its role as an economic powerhouse, contributing to the overall wealth of the Aegean region.
Natural elements in Santorini which make it unique today
Turquoise: Inspired by the natural color of sky and sea, turquoise is one of the most healing stones on the planet! Turquoise is a stone that purifies the spirit. It truly helps us see our anxieties as simply thoughts that pass us going downstream, giving them no more value than that. This stone helps us alleviate anxiety by showing us the bigger spiritual picture and dissolving negative energy. This stone is one of the oldest and most universal gemstones used by almost every culture on the planet.
The Beaches: in Santorini are much different than other beaches in Greece due to their special geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles lay the shores of Santorini beaches and steep cliffs provide a picturesque ambiance. The most famous of Santorini beaches is the Red beach located only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri.
Red & Black Lava: The elemental powers of fire and earth, lava rocks are rich in minerals from deep in the earth’s core. Born of fire, these molten creations raise to the surface and become porous creations of earth. Fire is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. Red was commonly associated with the qualities of energy, assertiveness, and passion, while earth was commonly associated with qualities of practicality, restraint and materialism. Black lava, in particular is associated with the elements of grounding and protection!
Pumice: is a volcanic rock that is a solidified frothy lava typically created when super-heated, highly pressurized rock is violently ejected from a volcano. It’s basically lava froth or solidified foam! It is formed from lava with a high content of water and gases. When the molten rock is effervescing to the point of forming a froth and then solidifies, pumice is the result. This unusual formation is due to the simultaneous actions of rapid cooling and rapid depressurization, causing the “light as air stone to float.
Seashells are associated with water, and represent the direction of West. The Moon controls the tides of the ocean so shells are also associated with the Moon. Being associated with water and the Moon, shells works perfectly in regards to our emotions. Shells have an association with Aphrodite, so they can also be used to represent love. In the past shells were also used in some parts of the world as currency and prosperity. A shell is a protective covering for the creature inside making shells also good for protection.
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