Events from the 1500s BC

Thera eruption - massive volcanic explosion destroys Santorini, tsunamis hit Crete, ash across Mediterranean

Peak of Nubian gold production - thousands die in Eastern Desert mines, gold funds Egyptian empire and monumental architecture

Phoenicians spread wine culture - export wine and vines throughout Mediterranean, establish vineyards in colonies

Olmecs first cultivate cacao in Mexico - beans used as currency and to make bitter ceremonial drink

Eleusinian Mysteries established - secret rites of Demeter and Persephone, promise blessed afterlife, death penalty for revealing secrets