History: Archaeological evidence indicates that the (then) dome-shaped island was inhabited by the Minoans? prior to 3200 BC when the Cretans invaded; at this time it was known as Stroggili or Strongyle (meaning 'round').
In 1500 BC the volcano in the centre of the island erupted violently, demolishing the centre portion of the island and creating a 100 to 150m high tidal wave that devastated the north coast of Crete, 70km (45 miles) away. This disappearance of the centre of the island is generally regarded as the most likely source for the story of Atlantis, and it also explains the characteristic sheer cliffs that occur on the perimeter of the explosion zone on the remaining islands.
Through the next 3000 years the island was occupied by the Phoenicians, the Dorians, the Romans, the Byzantines (who introduced Christianity in the 3rd century AD), and the Franks (who in the 12th century named it Santorini). A turbulent phase of its history came in 1579 when the island was temporarily occupied by the Islamic Ottomans who attempted to eliminate Christian worship.
Throughout the next few hundred years Santorini had a peaceful period of self-determination, although this was disrupted by the Nazi occupation during WWII. Santorini is now politically a part of modern Greece.
Major settlements in Santorini include [Fira (Phira)]?, Oia and Therasia. Akrotiri is a major archaeological site with ruins from the Minoan era. The island has no rivers, water is provided from small springs and frequently has to be imported. The primary industry of Santorini is tourism, although there are some small wineries and pumice quarries.
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