c. 1600 BCE

The Minoan eruption of Thera

The volcano of Thera (Santorini) erupts in one of the largest eruptions in recorded history (VEI 7). Radiocarbon favours the 17th to 16th century BCE, archaeology 1550-1480. It strikes Crete with tsunamis and earthquakes. Its role in Minoan decline is debated.