Cycladic settlements in the Early Bronze Age and their Aegean context.

The main aim of the thesis is the study of Cycladic settlements of the Early Bronze Age. Part of the research refers to the settlements of the Neolithic and Middle Cycladic period, in order to acquire a view of what preceded and what succeeded these settlements. The terminology to which the thesis subscribes follows the tripartite chronological system with its subperiods: EC I, EC II, ECIIIA and EC IIIB for Early Bronze Age; MC early and late for the Middle Bronze Age. These are correlated with the local cultural units (e.g. Pelos-Lakkoudes, Keros-Syros etc). Each settlement is classified according to its chronological period. The structures of each settlement, within the same period, are examined, in terms of housetypes which they represent and location within the settlement area. Then the architectural features of the settlements, such as building materials, masonry types, hearths, benches, etc., are analysed as a whole. Problems, such as those of roofs and entrances are discussed. Finally, the available data are examined in relation to urbanization factors, such as fortifications, differentiation of buildings, buildings of special function, settlements density, town structure, craft specialization, interregional trade etc. Comparisons with contemporary settlements of the Aegean region help in establishing relations between these and the Cycladic settlements. They also contribute to our knowledge of the degree of urbanization the Cycladic settlements achieved. After the analysis of each period is completed the conclusions follow. The first section concerns the settlements and the problems involved. The second section refers to the Cyclades in their Aegean context and the third section deals with the development of architecture in the Cyclades in its historical framework