Lesser Cyclades

During the last Ice Age most of the islands of the Cyclades were united into a big landmass. After the sea level rose in ca. 9,000 B.C. the Aegean flooded the landmass to form the many small islands and acquire its modern form.[2] The Lesser Cyclades have been inhabited since the Stone Age. The islands flourished during the early Bronze Age, when the Cycladic culture appeared. The island of Keros was one of the major sites of Cycladic culture and has given its name to Early Cycladic II period of Cycladic culture, known as Keros-Syros culture.[3] The islands continued to be populated thereafter. On the islands, mainly Schoinoussa and Irakleia there are ruins from classical antiquity and the Roman period. In medieval and modern times the islands suffered from piracy. Therefore, sometimes the islands were depopulated and were colonised again by shepherds from Amorgos. Since the 11th century most of the islands of the Lesser Cyclades were given as property to the Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos.[4] The monastery even today retains large areas in the islands as ts property.[5] The islands today have been developed as popular tourist destination. They are famous for their serene and tranquil life.

• Webpage about the Lesser Cyclades