Aegean Civilization refers to the ancient civilizations that developed in the Aegean Sea region during the Bronze Age. This area included the islands of Crete, Cyprus, and several smaller islands, as well as the coastal regions of modern-day Greece and a portion of Western Turkey, collectively known as Anatolia.
The Aegean Civilization is often associated with three major cultures: the Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Cycladic people, who thrived from approximately 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE. Each of these civilizations had unique characteristics, but they shared commonalities in their trade networks, maritime activities, and artistic expressions.
The Minoans, centered on the island of Crete, were renowned for their advanced architecture, vibrant frescoes, and their expertise in marine trade. They developed palaces, such as the famous Palace of Knossos, and their writing system known as Linear A, which is yet to be deciphered.
Mycenaeans, located on the Greek mainland, were skilled warriors and fortified their cities with massive stone walls. They are famous for their epic poetry, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, which are attributed to the legendary poet Homer.
The Cycladic culture, prevalent on the Cyclades islands, left a rich artistic legacy through the creation of small, abstract marble figurines often representing females.
The legacy of the Aegean Civilization had a profound influence on later civilizations, notably the ancient Greeks who were heirs to this cultural heritage. The ruins and artifacts discovered from this period provide important insights into the development of art, architecture, trade, and the social structure of the Aegean peoples.
