In the middle of the Aegean sea spreads the complex of the Cyclades islands. The special architecture that all the
islands of the complex have is the most characteristic feature,
a point of reference for everyone who has visited these islands
which spread in a distance of hundreds of miles.
The special architecture of small white houses with blue or
green windows and doors, and the picturesque villages with the
narrow alleys is a tourist attraction today, but it was made for
specific reasons and this is what makes it so special.
All the islands are poor in flora therefore they are exposed to
the sun, so the white color helped the habitants to keep the
houses cool, as for the narrow alleys this had a double role,
first to protect from the strong wings that dominate the islands
and to protect from the pirates' attacks by forming a natural
wall creating a perimeter of protection.
The unique landscape of the Cyclades islands makes the most
beautiful contradiction.
The rocks that mirrors on the blue crystal waters, the small
white houses scattered all around, the sandy beaches, the bright
blue sky above: It's a warm and hospitable place.
The complex of the Cyclades islands has a history of thousands of years. Due to their position into the center of the known
world of the prehistoric and ancient years, the Cyclades islands where a station for merchandisers and sailors. This gave a boost
to the economic and cultural life of the islands.
According to the myth, Cyclades where named after the nymphs Cyclades who Poseidon, the god of the sea transformed into
rocks because they caused his anger. A different version is that they where named like this because they form a natural circle
around the island of Delos the sacred island of Apollo. (From the greek word "cyclos", which means "cycle").
The Cycladic civilization is parted in three periods during prehistoric period, the first Cycladic period (3200-2000B.C.),
the middle Cycladic period (2000-1550B.C.) and the late Cycladic period (1550-1100B.C.).
During the historic times (1100B.C. - 500B.C.) there was a great flourish in economy and culture with Delos playing the most
important role.
During the times of Macedonian and Roman domination (500B.C. - 300B.C.) the islands passed to the domination of Fillip the 2nd,
king of Macedonia and then to his son Alexander the great. After the fall of Macedonia the Romans dominated, bringing the decay
to all of the islands with only exception Delos which kept flourishing. During the Byzantine period and the middle ages
(300B.C.-1537B.C.) the islands belonged to the Byzantine Empire until 1204 when Konstantinoupolis the capital of Byzantium fell
to the Franks. After that and until 1537 the islands where ruled by the Franks. On 1538 the great Pirate Barbarosa, looted the
islands and this caused the desolation of some of the islands.
Until 1617 Cyclades decayed and gradually fell under the domination of the Turks. On 1821 they participated on the
rebellion of the Greeks against the Turks and contributed to the liberation of Greece.
HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS
The complex is consisted of 34 islands from which 23 are being
habited. Each island has a history of his own and apart from the
common characteristics, differ in style and aura making each and
every one of the islands worth visiting and finding out the
unique characteristics and special feeling they have.
The islands have differences in the way they have evolved. The bigger islands, by being centers of commerce, navigation and
more recently tourism centers, are cosmopolitan and crowded, especially during summer period.
Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini can host even the most demanding and cosmopolitan visitors, having followed the
needs of modern times in facilities and entertainment, keeping at the same time the unique features of the complex. Islands
like Amorgos, Sifnos, Andros and Milos are following the steps of evolution, having made great steps in tourist facilities the
past years, being like this great tourist destinations as well.
