The Cycladic Civilization is spelled /saɪklædɪk sɪvəlaɪ'zeɪʃən/. The first syllable "cyc" is pronounced like "psyche" without the "p". The second syllable "lad" is pronounced like "lad" and the third syllable "ic" is pronounced like "ick". The fourth syllable "civil" is pronounced like "siv" and the fifth syllable "iza" is pronounced like "aye-zuh". The final syllable "tion" is pronounced like "shun". The Cycladic Civilization refers to the prehistoric culture that thrived on the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea from around 3200 BC to 2000 BC.
Cycladic Civilization refers to a Bronze Age culture that flourished in the Cycladic Islands of the Aegean Sea, primarily during the third millennium BCE (circa 3200-2000 BCE). This ancient civilization is renowned for producing a distinctive artistic style characterized by its abstract, minimalist sculptures and elegant pottery.
The Cycladic people occupied various islands, including Naxos, Paros, and Amorgos, and displayed advanced skills in agriculture, trade, and seafaring. They built settlements, cultivated crops such as wheat and barley, and developed a complex trading network that imported and exported various goods, including obsidian, which was crucial for their tools and weapons.
One of the most significant aspects of Cycladic Civilization is their exceptional artistic production. Their intricate marble figurines, known as Cycladic idols, represent stylized human figures with elongated proportions, rendered in a simplistic and abstract manner. The statues showcase remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail, highlighting the Cycladic people's artistic sophistication and refined aesthetic sense. These striking sculptures have become iconic symbols of Cycladic art and have immensely influenced later art movements.
The decline of the Cycladic Civilization is believed to be connected to broader social and economic changes in the region during the Early Bronze Age, including the emergence of more powerful Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Nonetheless, the cultural heritage of the Cycladic people has left a lasting impact on the ancient world, influencing subsequent artistic expressions and reinforcing the significance of their civilization in the annals of human history.
The word "Cycladic" refers to the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The term "Cycladic Civilization" is used to describe the Bronze Age civilization that thrived on these islands from around 3200 BCE to 2000 BCE. The etymology of the word "Cycladic" is derived from the Greek word "kyklos", meaning circle or circular, which is believed to be related to the shape of the archipelago.