History of The Cycladic Islands

Santorini History of the Cycladic Islands
By Fotis Pitsas

No one knows exactly when the Cyclades were first inhabited. From obsidian finds in the 8th millennium stratum on Milos and in Frankthi Cave in Hermioni (Argolid Peninsula), we can conclude that the Cyclades were already inhabited at that time.

It is generally believed that the Phoenicians and the Carians inhabited the Cyclades during prehistoric times. Later, the islands came under the Minoan sphere of influence.

They were then re-inhabited by the Carians, and finally colonized by the Ionians.

The most ancient settlement found in the Cyclades is on Saliagos, a small islet between Paros and Antiparos. The settlement dates from the beginning of the late Neolithic period, c. 4300-3900 BC.

The discovery in 1959 of surface traces of prehistoric habitation lead to excavations (1964-65), which were conducted by the British School of Archeology Stone figurines, anthropomorphic amulets, Milos pottery with white decoration, and hundreds of obsidian tools, arrowheads and votive offerings were unearthed in the excavations.

A fortification wall with a turret surrounded the settlement, which was made up of small residences. Archaeologists exposed three archaeological strata corresponding to three periods of habitation. Earliest known it is speculated that the settlement extended into sections that are now underwater. Moreover, it is likely that during that era Saliagos was part of Antiparos.

The large quantity of obsidian chips found on Saliagos is conclusive evidence that the islet was one of the early processing and trading stations for obsidian from Milos.

Obsidian, marble and emery were the raw materials used in the Cyclades to make both tools as well as artworks. In general, the Cycladic peoples had limited resources. This fact inspired them to utilize their ingenuity, to take advantage of what nature provided and to expand into new activities such as tool-making, shipping and trade.

Their economy was probably mixed combining farming, livestock raising, hunting and fishing, along with the exploitation of local raw materials.

Cycladic potters developed a technique of painting white designs on a dark back-ground. The pots, which are shaped like fruit bowls with a long leg, have white decoration on a dark back-ground. Most characteristic of the Neolithic period are the schematic marble figurines, the most famous of which is the so-called Fat Lady of Saliagos.

During the Bronze Age, Cycladic civilization produced works of art that are unique in the Aegean region. Cycladic idols, carved from local white marble, are regarded as refined works of mature, sophisticated artists.

By the early Bronze Age (3200-2200 BC) the Cyclades had developed an advanced culture that had extensive contact with the other player islands in the region.

Shipping had expanded, elevating trade and commerce to a primary position in the Cycladic economy and significantly influencing social development and change in the Aegean.

There is a long List of Greek islands including Cycladic Island-Mykonos and Cycladic island - Santorini.

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