Earth observations taken from shuttle orbiter Atlantis during STS-84 mission

STS084-707-013 (15-24 May 1997) --- As photographed from the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis, this 70mm scene provides a modern view from space of a region rich in ancient history. The Minoan civilization thrived on Crete (western end of the island is visible on the left side of the image) from 3000 BC to about 1100 BC. It is believed by some historians that the eruption of the volcanic island of Thera (the "C" shaped island facing Crete) and possible tsunami helped to bring about the end of the Minoan civilization. The next great civilization to emerge was that of the Greeks. One of the most prominent city-states was Athens which can be seen as a light colored area on an elongated piece of land at center of view (near the clouds). The Aegean Sea separates Greece from Asia Minor (Turkey) in the foreground.