Summary of Cycladic Civilization
Uncover the ancient secrets of the mystical Cycladic Civilization.
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Cycladic Civilization in 10 Minutes
Introduction
1. The Cycladic Islanders
2. The Cycladic Artisans
3. The Cycladic Traders
4. The Cycladic Priests
5. The Cycladic Archaeologists
The Early Beginnings
Artistic Achievements
Social Structure
Religious Beliefs
Decline of the Civilization
Archaeological Discoveries
Legacy of Cycladic Civilization
Ongoing Research
Tourism and Preservation
Conclusion
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: A prehistoric civilization that thrived in the Cycladic islands of the Aegean Sea.
- When: 3rd millennium BC
- Who: Cycladic people
- Outcome: Known for their distinctive marble figurines and advanced culture.
Famous Figures in the Cycladic Civilization
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Sir Arthur Evans
Sir Arthur Evans was a British archaeologist who excavated the ancient city of Knossos on the island of Crete, uncovering a wealth of artifacts from the Minoan civilization.
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Colin Renfrew
Colin Renfrew is a British archaeologist known for his work on the Cycladic civilization, particularly the study of the early Bronze Age Aegean cultures.
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Christos Tzountas
Christos Tzountas was a Greek archaeologist who conducted excavations on several Cycladic islands, contributing to our understanding of the Cycladic civilization.
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Nikolaos Platon
Nikolaos Platon was a Greek archaeologist who discovered the ancient city of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini, providing valuable insights into the Cycladic civilization.
Timeline of Cycladic Civilization
Neolithic settlement on Cycladic islands
Development of early Cycladic culture
Introduction of metalworking in the Cyclades
Flourishing of Cycladic civilization
Trade networks established with Minoan civilization on Crete
Decline of Cycladic civilization
Mycenaean influence on the Cyclades
Destruction of Minoan civilization by volcanic eruption on Thera (Santorini)
Arrival of Dorians in the Cyclades
Establishment of the Archaic period in the Cyclades
Colonization of the Cyclades by Ionian Greeks
Cycladic islands become part of the Delian League under Athens
Persian invasion of the Cyclades during the Greco-Persian Wars
Peloponnesian War impacts the Cyclades
Cyclades come under Macedonian control after the death of Alexander the Great
Roman conquest of the Cyclades
Byzantine rule over the Cyclades
Venetian rule over the Cyclades
Ottoman rule over the Cyclades
Cyclades become part of modern Greece after the Greek War of Independence
Vocabulary List
- Aegean Sea
- The Cycladic Civilization developed on islands in the Aegean Sea.
- Marble
- Cycladic artists were known for their skill in carving marble statues.
- Figurines
- Cycladic Civilization is famous for its small, abstract figurines made of marble.
- Minoan
- The Cycladic Civilization had trade connections with the Minoan civilization on Crete.
- Pottery
- Cycladic pottery was often decorated with geometric patterns.
- Burial
- Cycladic graves have been found with elaborate burial offerings.
- Trade
- The Cycladic people were skilled sailors and engaged in trade with other civilizations.
- Farming
- Agriculture was an important part of the economy in the Cycladic Civilization.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- The Cycladic Civilization existed in the Aegean Sea from around 3200 BC to 2000 BC.
- The Cycladic people were skilled artisans known for their marble figurines and pottery.
- The Cycladic islands are named after the circular shape they form around the sacred island of Delos.
- The Cycladic Civilization had a complex social structure with evidence of hierarchy and social stratification.
- The Cycladic islands were a major trade hub connecting the civilizations of the Aegean, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.
- Cycladic art influenced the later Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations in the Aegean.
- The Cycladic people were skilled sailors and traders, using their ships to navigate the Aegean Sea.
- The Cycladic islands were known for their white marble quarries, which provided the material for their art and architecture.
- The Cycladic Civilization had a religious focus on female fertility deities, as seen in their artwork.
- The Cycladic people practiced agriculture, growing crops like wheat, barley, and olives.
- The Cycladic islands were vulnerable to invasions from other civilizations, leading to periods of conflict and instability.
- The decline of the Cycladic Civilization is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, natural disasters, and invasions.
- Archaeological excavations on the Cycladic islands have uncovered burial sites, settlements, and artifacts that provide insights into the daily life of the Cycladic people.
- The Cycladic islands were known for their fortified citadels, which provided protection against invaders.
- The Cycladic people were skilled metalworkers, producing tools, weapons, and jewelry from copper, bronze, and gold.
- The Cycladic Civilization left behind a legacy of art and architecture that continues to inspire modern artists and architects.
- The Cycladic islands are popular tourist destinations today, known for their pristine beaches, charming villages, and archaeological sites.
- The Cycladic Civilization is considered one of the early Bronze Age civilizations in the Mediterranean region.
- The Cycladic people had a sophisticated system of writing known as Linear A, although it has not been deciphered yet.
- The Cycladic islands were known for their vibrant cultural life, with festivals, rituals, and religious ceremonies playing a central role in society.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The Cycladic Civilization, known for its distinctive white marble figurines and early urban settlements, played a crucial role in shaping the early Aegean world. Its immediate consequences included the development of trade networks, artistic innovation, and the establishment of social hierarchies within the region.
Long-Term Impact
The lasting impact of the Cycladic Civilization can be seen in its influence on the later Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, as well as its contributions to the development of Greek art and architecture. The civilization’s maritime trade networks also laid the foundation for future economic prosperity in the Aegean.
Cultural Significance Today
Today, the Cycladic Civilization is remembered for its unique artistic style and its role in the early history of Greece. The iconic Cycladic figurines continue to inspire artists and archaeologists, while the civilization’s legacy lives on in modern Greek culture and society, showcasing the enduring impact of this ancient civilization.
Cycladic Civilization Games
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