Cycladic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea known for their distinctive ancient culture and art; pertaining to the early Bronze Age civilization that flourished in this region; describing artifacts or artistic styles characteristic of this archipelago
2. Connected with the Cyclades islands of Greece famed for their prehistoric archaeological sites; associated with the civilization that inhabited these islands during the early Bronze Age; denoting objects or artistic expression typical of this culture
3. Concerning the Cyclades, a cluster of islands known for their unique cultural heritage dating back to the early Bronze Age; relating to the people, history, or distinctive art forms originating from this group of islands

Etymology: The Cyclades are a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, and "Cycladic" is simply the adjective formed from their name. The islands' name comes from ancient Greek "kyklos," meaning "circle," because they lie in a rough ring around the sacred island of Delos. The name was used by Greek writers in antiquity, and English took the adjective from the Greek place name in the modern period. The term became far more familiar in the 20th century, when archaeologists applied it to the distinctive artifacts of the Early Bronze Age culture that flourished on these islands roughly between 3200 and 2000 BCE. Its marble figurines, with their smooth, abstract forms of folded arms and violin-shaped bodies, became famous, and "Cycladic" now describes that art and culture as well as the islands themselves.

Synonyms: Cyclades-related, Aegean, Greek island