Ancient Thera (Santorini)
- The geographic and historical context of Ancient Thera, including the location of Thera/Santorini in relation to mainland Greece and Crete, the Bronze-Age Aegean period, the origins of the Theran settlement, the rediscovery of Akrotiri and excavations at the site
The nature of the sources most relevant to these interpretations and representations, for example Plato's dialogues about Atlantis (Timaeus and Critias c.360 BC), the Akrotiri wall paintings (the Spring Fresco, the Naval Campaign Fresco, The Young Boxers and the Fisherman Fresco), pottery, sculpture and other artefacts, and the site layout and architecture for Thera and Akrotiri
The different interpretations and representations of Thera and the eruption (from the ancient past, to the more recent past, to today), including the portrayal of Ancient Thera as the legendary Atlantis, the significance of the site as a trading or religious settlement, the relationship of ancient Thera to the Minoan civilisation on Crete, and the extent of the impact of the Theran eruption on the Minoan civilisation on Crete and on the wider Mediterranean world
The historical context of the interpretations and representations of Ancient Thera and why these have changed over time, including the legends surrounding the Aegean volcanic island of Thera, the role of scientific research into the date and size of the Theran earthquakes and eruption, the evolving portrayal of Akrotiri’s features and its significance as a result of archaeological excavation and analysis
The reliability and contestability of the interpretations and representations of ancient Thera, including the written and archaeological evidence for the Atlantis legend, the dating of the Theran eruption and the extent of its impact, the interpretation of the Akrotiri wall paintings, the commercial and religious significance of the Theran sites, and the significance of source selection, omission, emphasis and gaps in evidence