The early Greek Bronze age corresponds with the early and middle Helladic period. Lasting from 3600 BC until 1600 BC, its cultural beginnings were in the islands of the Aegean. The period’s two principal cultural civilisations were the mysterious Cycladic culture, whose main legacy is its statues and the Minoan civilisation of Crete.

Chronology of the Early Bronze Age

The chronology of the early Greek Bronze Age is by no means exact, relying as it does on archaeological dating evidence from pottery. Its early phase can be roughly divided in the following way:

• The Early Bronze Age or Early Helladic Period- 3600-2070 BC.
• Middle Bronze Age or Middle Helladic period- 2070-1600 BC.

Cycladic Culture

Centring on a set of islands in the southwestern Aegean, Cycladic culture derives its name from the Greek kyklades — the Cycladic Islands. The islands were so-called because they encircle the island of Delos.

The islands were inhabited from the Neolithic period but developed around 3000BC when the inhabitants began to exploit the rich natural resources. The Cycladic islands were rich in metal ores and marble – and their position in the Aegean made them ideal for trade. So, the islanders began to form trade networks with Minoan Crete, mainland Greece and Asia Minor.

Few Cycladic settlements survive, dating to the earliest period and those that remain, such as on Thera and Paros, date to around 2000BC. Grave goods and burials have yielded the most information about Cycladic culture, subdividing early Cycladic culture into two groups: Grotta-Pelos culture dating between 3200-2700 BC and Keros-Syros culture, dating to between 2700-2300 BC.

The grave goods in these burials were of varying quality, suggesting a structured society with a social hierarchy. Amongst the better quality grave goods were marble vessels and the famous Cycladic figures, stylised human figures, many of which were female. Traces of mineral remains such as azurite, iron ores and cinnabar indicate that these figures were often brightly painted red or blue.

Minoan Culture

The Minoan culture was contemporary with certain phases of Cycladic culture, dominating the Aegean between 3000-14000 BC, reaching its peak in around 1600BC.

This Cretan-based civilisation established a mini trade empire and was known for its advanced engineering, Linear A writing and its art in the form of frescos.

The reason for the decline of Minoan civilisation is debatable. One theory is that a major earthquake left it weakened and vulnerable. What is a fact is that Minoan culture was supplanted by Mycenaean civilisation from the Greek mainland.

Aegean Civilisation and Bronze Age Trade

Cycladic and Minoan cultures both represent Bronze Age civilisations in the Aegean that developed because of trade. Both cultures were perfectly placed to trade resources and cultural ideas with their neighbours. As a result, both built up influential early Bronze Age cultures.

Sources

Early Cycladic Art and Culture

Illustrated Dictionary of Archaeology (1977) Book Club Associates: London.

Hankeys, V and Warren, P (1989) Aegean Bronze Age Chronology. Bristol Classical Press: Bristol.