Description of the attraction
The Museum of Prehistoric Fira (Thira) is located on the island of Santorini in the city of Fira. The artifacts displayed in the museum were mostly found during excavations at Akrotiri, which were carried out under the direction of the Archaeological Society of Athens. The museum also contains relics from the early excavations in Potamos, which were carried out under the supervision of the German Archaeological Institute in Athens, as well as from archaeological excavations in different regions of Santorini.
The collection of the museum includes ceramics of the Neolithic period, early Cycladic marble figurines and ceramics, including works of the transition period, a collection of vessels depicting birds (mainly swallows) of the 20-18 century BC. and a variety of metal products. The museum also exhibits household utensils, frescoes, weapons, furniture, various tools, bronze items and much more. Since the peak of the heyday of the ancient settlement fell on the 17th century BC, most of the exhibition belongs to this period.
The most remarkable exhibits of the museum include the golden ibex - this is the only gold item found that was once hidden under the floor. It is also worth highlighting a marble figurine from Akrotiri (3000 BC), a jug from the Christian islet (3000 BC), a vase with lilies (17th century BC), a Minoan vase from Akrotiri (17th century BC). 10th century BC), a jug from Megalachori (early 17th century BC), a cast of a wooden table (17th century BC), and an earthen oven. Of particular interest are wall paintings, such as "Blue Monkeys" and "Woman with Papyrus".
The Museum of Prehistoric Fira is quite young and was only opened to visitors in 2000. Previously, archaeological artifacts found in Santorini were mostly sent to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, but after the opening of the local museum, part of the collection was returned. The exposition of the museum is very interesting and has great historical significance, which only confirms how important Santorini played in the development of the culture of the Aegean islands.
