Marble pestle, Greece, early Cycladic II

The Cycladic culture was a Bronze Age civilization that thrived on the Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea from around 3200 BCE to 1050 BCE. Known for its minimalist yet elegant art, such as the famous Cycladic figurines, this culture engaged in maritime trade, had distinct burial practices, and served as a hub for cultural exchange between the Aegean, Anatolia, and the Near East. Despite its eventual decline, its influence on the wider ancient Mediterranean world remains significant.