October 1, 1974: Archaeologist who discovered Akrotiri, Spyridon Marinatos, died

·

By Billy Patramanis.

Spyridon Marinatos is one of the most famous archaeologists of the twentieth century, discovering the Bronze Age city of Akrotiri. But on this day in 1974, he died at the age of 72. To mark the occasion, we look back on his incredible life and his miraculous discovery.

Marinatos studied archaeology and philosophy at Universities of Greece, Berlin and Halle.

In 1929, Marinatos’ archaeologist career began when he became director of the Heraklion Museum, along with Georgia Andrea, in 1929. It was his time as Director that he began a working relationship with Sir Arthur Evans, famous archaeologist known for his discovery of Knossos, a city in Crete.

Marinatos (right) pictured at the site of the Ancient city Akrotiri. Source: Greece Is

Marinatos gained firsthand excavation experience while working on excavation sites at Dreros, Arkalochori, Vathypetro and Gazi.

In 1937, Marinatos became the director of Greece’s archaeological service and in 1939, became an archaeology professor at the University of Athens.

It was Marinatos’ time as a professor at the University of Athens that he became interested in what he regarded as the first Greeks, the Mycenaeans.

While working on the excavation site in Knossos in 1939, Marinatos began hypothesising the reasoning behind the destruction of the Minoan people in Crete. Marinatos proposed the idea that because Crete is near the Hellenic Trench, it experiences frequent natural disasters like activity.

The volcanic rocks discovered at the site of Knossos were analysed by Marinatos, resulting in his belief that these were rocks from the nearby island of Santorini. 

Ancient city of Akrotiri. Source: On The Luce

Marinatos began working on his theory in 1967, as he oversaw the excavation site in Santorini. While he researched his theory that the Minoan civilisation ended due to a volcanic eruption, he discovered the ancient Bronze Age city of Akrotiri.

Akrotiri was an extraordinary discovery, as visitors are able to get firsthand visuals on what it was like to live during the Bronze Age, as the volcanic ash covered the city and kept it preserved, becoming a Greek version of Pompeii.

Marinatos continued to work on the excavation site until he died in 1974 while working at the site, with the cause of his death still relatively unknown. He will be remembered as one of Greece’s greatest archaeologists.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

You May Also Like

Tsitsipas crushes Paire to close out day one of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown

Greek world no.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first match at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), beating French opponent Benoit Paire three sets to one.

‘Un-Australian’: Mayor Steve Christou blasts councils over Australia Day festivities

Steve Christou has accused councils that scale back and cancel Australia Day of ‘bed-wetting’ and ‘treachery’.

How Trump’s tariffs will impact Greece

US President Trump has implemented worldwide tariffs - higher taxes on imports and exports - leaving the world concerned for the possibility of a...