The Cyclades in the middle and late Bronze Age

Abstract

The study comprises an investigation of the history and culture of the Cyclades in the second millennium B. C., based on a comprehensive analysis of the sites and finds. Particular attention is paid to the question of the cultural unity of the islands and their relationships with other areas of the Aegean. In the introduction in Volume I (Chapter 1), previous work in the field is surveyed, problems are outlined and possible areas of progress suggested. In Chapter 2, the stratigraphical basis for the definition of the Middle and Late Cycladic periods is set out. There follow detailed descriptions and discussions of the sites (Chapter 3), the local pottery (Chapter 4), the non-ceramic finds (Chapter 5 A-J), the architecture (Chapter 6) and the burials (Chapter 7). Imports and exports, mainly of pottery, are considered in Chapter 8 and their significance is assessed, both for the establishment of a relative chronology and for the elucidation of the external relations of the Cyclades in the period under review. The concluding Chapter (9) summarises the evidence already presented in terms of the history of the Cyclades and the way of life of their inhabitants. Solutions are offered to some of the questions posed in the introduction and suitable avenues for future research indicated. The companion volume contains appendices, listing published finds of the Middle and Late Cycladic periods, in format to that used for their discussion in Volume I. Appendix I (corresponding to Chapter 4) lists the pottery, excluding imports, and Appendix II A - J the non-ceramic finds. Appendix III (Chapter 7) records known burials and notes the associated finds. Appendix IV (Chapter 8) lists imported pottery found in the Cyclades, Cycladic exports found abroad and objects exchanged between one island and another. Volume II also contains the illustrations, which consist of fifty two figures and thirty three plates.