The Frescoes of Akrotiri, also known as the wall-paintings of Thera, preserved beneath layers of volcanic ash on the island of Thera, provide an extraordinary window into the art and culture of the Aegean Bronze Age. These vibrant wall paintings, uncovered in the ancient town of Akrotiri, depict a sophisticated society thriving in harmony with nature and maritime life. From colorful depictions of flora and fauna to scenes of daily life and religious rituals, the frescoes reflect the artistic and cultural dominance of the Minoan civilization, offering invaluable insights into the values, beliefs, and aesthetics of a bygone era.

The wall paintings of ancient Thera are were discovered by Spyridon Marinatos at the excavations of Akrotiri on the Greek island of Thera. They are regarded as part of Minoan art, although the culture of Thera was somewhat different from that of Crete, and the political relationship between the two islands at the time is unclear. They have the advantage of mostly being excavated in a more complete condition, still on their walls, than Minoan paintings from Knossos and other Cretan sites. Most of the frescos are now in the Prehistoric Museum of Thera on Santorini, or the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, which has several of the most complete and famous scenes.

Excavated from 1967 to 1974 CE, the wall paintings provide a crucial window into Theran history, depicting the early Aegean world as a highly developed society. Of all the findings unearthed at ancient Akrotiri, these frescoes constitute the most significant contribution to present-day knowledge of Aegean art and culture. In their technique, style, and thematic content, the paintings are invaluable objects of study for archaeologists, art historians, zoologists, botanists, and chemists. Originally displayed on the walls of ancient Theran houses, the paintings render ancient figures, customs and historical events.

circa 1700 BCE

Papyrus Flowers Fresco
The Papyrus Flowers Fresco is one of the most famous and well-preserved frescoes discovered at Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan settlement on the island of Thera (modern-day Santorini). This fresco, dating to the Late Bronze Age (circa 1600 BCE), is renowned for its depiction of papyrus plants. Since the papyrus-plant is not indigineous to Thera and therefore suggests that the Cycladic-Minoan artists were borrowing iconography from elsewhere, perhaps Egypt or Minoan Crete. Today it is preserved in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Santorini.

The papyrus-flower-plant is depicted with great precision, its long stems and clusters of over-sized flowers arranged in a rhythmic, ornamental pattern that reflects the Minoan appreciation for both beauty and nature. The fresco is believed to have been part of a larger decorative scheme in a private house or public building, indicating the importance of fresco painting in Minoan interior design and the sophisticated artistic culture of Akrotiri.

circa 1700 BCE

Boxing Children Fresco
Also known as the Akrotiri Boxer Fresco, discovered in 1967 CE, is one of the numerous wall paintings of Thera and a leading example of Minoan-period painting. The fresco depicts two young boys (or possibly girls according to some scholars) wearing boxing gloves and belts and dates back to the Bronze Age, circa 1700 BCE. However, it is commonly accepted that in the Akrotiri Boxer Fresco, the youths' red skin suggests their gender to be male while their partially shaved heads indicate that they are still children.

This particular fresco was found in room B1 of Building Beta along with the Antelope Fresco. The boys' shaved heads and stray locks indicate their youth, while their darker skin tone indicates their gender. The boy on the right is completely nude except for a belt, whereas the boy on the left has jewellery; most likely markers of a higher status. They appear to be slightly over life-size at roughly 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters). To create such vibrant frescoes, a smooth lime plaster was applied to the walls and then painted over. It is impossible to know whether the match was a competitive one or simply a routine sport.

It has been suggested that the Akrotiri Boxer Fresco may have been the first example of a sports-related deformity ever recorded. According to a medical writer, the young boy on the right appears to have spondylolisthesis. But the anatomy in Minoan painting is often not very realistic.

circa 1600-1450 BCE

Antelopes Fresco
The "Antelopes fresco" was discovered during the excavations conducted by Spyridon Marinatos from 1967 to 1974 CE at Akrotiri on the southern coast of the ringed island of ancient Thera (today called Santorini). The large fresco was discovered on the western wall of room 1 in the Beta Sector and is 2.0 meters (6.6 feet) wide and 2.75 meters (9.0 feet) high. Today, this exquisite fresco is on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Two antelopes are sketched with strong, dark lines on a white plaster background. Their simple figures, symmetrically arranged, are slender and agile, and their movements reserved yet expressive. The Beta Sector not only contained the famous wall paintings of the Antelopes and the Boxing Boys but also included the "Fresco of the Monkeys" which depicted monkeys climbing on rocks near a river.

circa 1700 BCE

House of the Ladies: Lady A

circa 1700 BCE

House of the Ladies: Lady B
The fresco of "Lady B", or the "lady of the north-wall", from the House of the Ladies in Akrotiri on the Aegean island of Thera, depicts a mature-aged lady in typical Minoan clothing. It formed part of a larger fresco together with the "Lady A" and possibly the large papyrus fresco. Above the woman is a representation of a starry sky. Today, it is on display at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

circa 1600-1450 BCE

Fisherman with Two Strings of Fish
Nude male figure holding two strings of small Mahi Mahi, one in each hand.