Culture and history info

The most important point in the history of Cyclades was the early Copper Age. The first-Cycladic civilization developed in the 3rd millennium B.C. in parallel with the first-Minoan civilization of Crete. The Cycladic statues are the most characteristic samples of this civilization. In the centuries that followed, the islands of Cyclades naturally developed a very strong connection with the sea and their ships navigated the entire Mediterranean. Trade activities brought wealth to the islands and their geographical position led to their occupation by many conquerors over time: by classical Athens in the 5th century B.C., the Venetians in the Middle Age and the Ottomans in the 15th century. In 1830, the islands were finally set free and they were annexed to the modern Greek State. Due to their geographical isolation from Athens and their limited economical sources, the islands of Cyclades gradually declined. From the early till the mid 20th century, many inhabitants immigrated to mainland Greece or abroad in search for a better life. Today, most islands live from fishing, agriculture and tourism.