Skaros Rock is a large rock promontory on the Aegean island of Santorini. The formation was created through the volcanic activity (likely in an eruption dated to 68,000 B.C) of the nearby
Santorini caldera, and has since been further shaped by erosion and earthquakes. In a nautical context, the formation is referred to as Cape Skaros. dating to the 1790s|alt= A series of escalating wars between the
Ottoman Empire and Venice in the mid 16th century resulted in Santorini being the target of numerous raids by the Ottomans. While other settlements suffered, Skaros' fortifications and position high on the cliffs of Western Santorini protected the town from raiders. However, the island's trade-based economy suffered, resulting in the ruling families of Santorini severing ties with Venice and signing a non-aggression treaty with the Ottomans. This policy change angered Venice, which attempted to recover the island without success. In addition to Venetian incursions, some Ottoman captains continued to raid the island for slaves and supplies in violation of the Turko-Santorinian treaty, while the rise of the
Tunisia-based
Barbary pirates also proved to be a major threat to the island. Despite these risks, Santorini maintained its independence until 1566, when Ottoman admiral
Piali Pasha arrived off of the island with a large fleet, demanding the full annexation of the island into the Ottoman Empire. All of the island's settlements, including Skaros, accepted these terms, and the island became an Ottoman possession. Though already in decline, Skaros remained a prominent settlement until the Santorini volcano became active and began to erupt in 1650. This eruption caused several strong earthquakes which collapsed part of the town into the sea. The volcano continued to go through periods of activity, erupting from 1701 to 1711 and again from 1866 to 1870.
Present day The ruins of Skaros are currently a popular destination for hiking and photography; the promontory is accessible via the nearby village of
Imerovigli. A monastery, known as the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, remains in use on the cliffs below the rock feature. == References ==