Film / TV
ZDF Studios Launch New Documentary ‘The Santorini Code’
Story Highlights
Produced by K22 Film in association with ZDF, ARTE and ZDF Studios, the one-off documentary discovers how this eruption unfolded, what it meant for the history of the Aegean and, with the aid of scientists, provides valuable insights into the behaviour of similar volcanos worldwide.
The Santorini Code (1 x 50′), is a ground-breaking scientific exploration of Santorini’ volcanic history back to its very beginnings, including a massive eruption that is thought to have devastated the Minoan civilisation about 3,600 years ago.
Nikolas Huelbusch, Director Unscripted, ZDF Studios said: “As the global distributor, we are delighted to be launching The Santorini Code to market this month. It is an extraordinary film, not only because volcanos are a fascinating mystery to most of us, it also highlights just how powerful science is in helping us to understand our planet and provide solutions.”
Researchers have long wondered how the Minoan civilisation of Santorini and Crete, an ancient Aegean powerhouse, met its demise and to what extent the volcanic eruption on Santorini could be held responsible.
This expedition of the International Ocean Discovery Program IODP marks the first time, that many kilometres worth of drill cores have been extracted from such an explosive submarine volcanic caldera. These samples hold the key for scientists to decode the geological history of this ancient volcano and make projections of its future activities and potential consequences.
Can the Santorini code be cracked? The IODP team is an international collaboration, including chief scientists from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, The University of Clermont Auvergne and the International Ocean Discovery Program in Texas. It’ a hugely relevant undertaking, since volcanic eruptions and associated tsunamis remain a real and deadly threat to this day, with effects that can prove detrimental far beyond national boundaries.
Especially in the Mediterranean region, frequented by millions of tourists every year, a massive eruption like that of the Minoan era could quickly reach catastrophic proportions. It’s why international teams of scientists have made it their business to prepare for the unimaginable.
