Cultures > Cycladic Culture

Cycladic Culture

Background

Cycladic culture refers to the ancient civilization that flourished in the Cyclades, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, during the early Bronze Age, approximately from 3200 to 2000 BCE. This culture is known for its distinctive art, architecture, and societal structure. Here are some key aspects of Cycladic culture:

1. Geography and Environment:

   • The Cyclades are a group of islands situated in the central Aegean Sea, known for their rugged terrain and limited natural resources.
   • The islands' geography influenced the development of a maritime culture, with trade and seafaring playing significant roles in Cycladic life.

2. Art and Sculpture:

   • Cycladic art is best known for its marble figurines, often called Cycladic idols or figures. These sculptures are typically abstract and stylized, featuring folded arms, a flat face, and a minimalist form.
   • The figurines range in size from a few inches to life-sized statues and were primarily used for religious or funerary purposes.
   • Other notable art forms include pottery decorated with geometric designs and frescoes depicting scenes of daily life and nature.

3. Architecture and Settlements:

   • Cycladic settlements were typically small and consisted of simple, rectangular buildings made from local stone and mudbrick.
   • Notable archaeological sites include Akrotiri on the island of Thera (modern-day Santorini), which provides evidence of advanced urban planning, multi-story buildings, and sophisticated drainage systems.

4. Society and Economy:

   • The Cycladic society was likely organized into small, independent communities with a shared culture and trade connections.
   • The economy was based on agriculture, fishing, and trade. The Cyclades' strategic location facilitated trade with other Aegean islands, mainland Greece, and the broader Mediterranean region.
   • The Cycladic people traded goods such as obsidian, marble, and pottery, contributing to their economic prosperity.

5. Religion and Beliefs:

   • Religious practices in Cycladic culture are not well-documented, but the abundance of figurines suggests the worship of deities, possibly related to fertility, nature, and the sea.
   • The figurines' presence in graves indicates that they played a role in funerary rites and beliefs about the afterlife.

6. Influence and Legacy:

   • Cycladic culture significantly influenced the later Minoan civilization on Crete and the Mycenaean civilization on mainland Greece.
   • The artistic styles and techniques developed by the Cycladic people continued to impact Aegean art and culture long after the decline of their civilization.

Cycladic culture is celebrated for its artistic achievements and contributions to early Aegean civilization. The simplicity and elegance of Cycladic art continue to inspire modern artists and art enthusiasts.

Cycladic Chronology

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

Chronology and Terminology of The Prehistoric Archaeology of the Aegean accessed May 23, 2006C.Michael Hogan, Knossos Fieldnotes, The Modern Antiquarian, (2007)

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/ecyc/hd_ecyc.htm

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