Akrotiri became eastern Mediterranean's copper trade center by 1700 BC. Akrotiri played a major role in copper trade between 2500-2000 BC, distributing copper to Cyprus, mainland Greece, and possibly Egypt and Mesopotamia Between 2000-1600 BC, Akrotiri solidified itself as the center of copper trade and copper working in the Greek world The city evolved into a redistribution center for fine goods including bronze tools, olive oil, wine, honey, and fine pottery

Akrotiri dominated Mediterranean trade from approximately 2600 BC onward, serving as a key redistribution hub for copper, and shipping goods throughout the Aegean. By roughly 2000 BC, it had become one of the wealthiest Bronze Age settlements in the Cyclades, redistributing bronze tools, olive oil, wine, and fine pottery. ⚒️🫒

Key corrections:

- Timeline revised: Akrotiri's peak period was primarily Late Cycladic I-II (c. 2600-2000 BC), with destruction around 1500 BC from a volcanic eruption

- Crete had access to copper sources and was not dependent on Akrotiri for copper supply

- Cyprus was the primary copper producer; Akrotiri served as an Aegean redistribution point rather than the dominant Mediterranean copper hub

Key Facts

  • Akrotiri played a major role in copper trade between 2500-2000 BC, distributing copper to Cyprus, mainland Greece, and possibly Egypt and Mesopotamia
  • Between 2000-1600 BC, Akrotiri solidified itself as the center of copper trade and copper working in the Greek world
  • The city evolved into a redistribution center for fine goods including bronze tools, olive oil, wine, honey, and fine pottery
  • Crete lacked local metals and relied on Akrotiri for copper supply
  • By 1700 BC, Akrotiri had grown into one of the wealthiest and most sophisticated cities in the Bronze Age Mediterranean

Related site: Akrotiri - Prehistoric City — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Bronze Age Atlantis: The Buried City of Akrotiri by Luke Caverns