Santorini has a truly spectacular geological history that makes it unique. Originally, the island was round and was called “Strongili”, which means “circular”. However, a gigantic volcanic eruption caused about half of the island to disappear into the sea, creating a huge caldera on the western side. Interestingly, this eruption was so monumental that it has been compared to the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa – and is estimated to have been even more powerful. The explosion was so violent that it has been compared to the 1815 eruption of Tambora . After this eruption, only a crescent-shaped archipelago remained of the original island.
In addition, mythological speculations arise around Santorini. Some believe that this island may have been the legendary Atlantis , and that Plato's story of Atlantis was inspired by the island's dramatic volcanic eruptions.
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