Mystery of Minoans takes new turn
Crete was home to the Minoans, who rose to prominence some 4,000 years ago until around 1500 BC when it was wiped out.
Originally it was thought that a huge volcanic eruption had caused the destruction of the civilisation and the Minoan town on Thera had been covered in ash.
But ruins did not prove the theory as a study found ash washed into unusual areas not consistent with a volcanic eruption.
According to Discover magazine, Joseph Alexander MacGillivray's research found a layer of soil at a beach that had strange band of gravel stuffed with broken pottery and ash.
The archaeologists believe that a giant wave hit Palaikastro Bay while fresh ash was still in the area thereby sweeping inland.
Costas Synolakis, an earth scientist from the University of California, found further evidence inland meaning the tsunami could have been large.
Scientists believe this may have led to a loss of spiritual beliefs and the break-up of the Minoan civilasition.
Today, holiday makers can visit Knossos where acres of ruined streets and buildings can be visited and admired.
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