Volcanic ash, victims, and tsunami debris from the Late Bronze Age Thera eruption discovered at C , es , me-Bag=lararasi (Turkey)

The Late Bronze Age Thera eruption was one of the largest natural disasters witnessed in human history. Its impact, consequences, and timing have dominated the discourse of ancient Mediterranean studies for nearly a century. Despite the eruption's high intensity (Volcanic Explosivity Index 7; Dense Rock Equivalent of 78 to 86 km) [T. H. Druitt, F. W. McCoy, G. E. Vougioukalakis, Elements 15, 185-190 (2019)] and tsunami-generating capabilities [K. Minoura et al., Geology 28, 59-62 (2000)], few tsunami deposits are reported. In contrast, descriptions of pumice, ash, and tephra deposits are widely published. This mismatch may be an artifact of interpretive capabilities, given how rapidly tsunami sedimentology has advanced in recent years. A well-preserved volcanic ash layer and chaotic destruction horizon were identified in stratified deposits at C,es,me-Bag = lararasi, a western Anatolian/Aegean coastal archaeological site. To interpret these deposits, archaeological and sedimentological analysis (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy instrumental neutron activation analysis, granulometry, micropaleontology, and radiocarbon dating) were performed. According to the results, the archaeological site was hit by a series of strong tsunamis that caused damage and erosion, leaving behind a thick layer of debris, distinguishable by its physical, biological, and chemical signature. An articulated human and dog skeleton discovered within the tsunami debris are in situ victims related to the Late Bronze Age Thera eruption event. Calibrated radiocarbon ages from well-constrained, short-lived organics from within the tsunami deposit constrain the event to no earlier than 1612 BCE. The deposit provides a time capsule that demonstrates the nature, enormity, and expansive geographic extent of this catastrophic event.

Automated summary

The Late Bronze Age Thera eruption, one of the largest natural disasters in human history, has been a major topic of study in ancient Mediterranean studies. While the eruption had a high intensity and tsunami-generating capabilities, there are few reported tsunami deposits, which could be due to limitations in interpretive capabilities. Through archaeological and sedimentological analysis at a coastal archaeological site in western Anatolia/Aegean, a well-preserved volcanic ash layer and chaotic destruction horizon were identified, indicating a series of strong tsunamis caused by the eruption. The findings provide important insights into the nature, enormity, and geographic extent of this catastrophic event.