Keros

Definition

Keros is a small, uninhabited island in the Cyclades, famous for its significant archaeological findings that date back to the Early Cycladic period. It served as a crucial site for understanding Cycladic art, particularly through the discovery of marble figurines and artifacts that reflect the cultural and artistic practices of ancient Aegean societies. The island has played a pivotal role in revealing insights about trade, religious practices, and social structures in prehistoric Greece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Keros is notable for its archaeological site known as the 'Keros Hoard,' which includes numerous marble figurines believed to have been intentionally broken and buried.
2. The findings on Keros suggest that it may have functioned as a ritual center for the Early Cycladic people, indicating its significance beyond mere habitation.
3. Artifacts from Keros highlight the trade networks that existed between different Aegean islands, showcasing the exchange of goods and cultural ideas during the Early Bronze Age.
4. The island's geography contributed to its strategic importance, serving as a hub for maritime activities in the Cyclades region.
5. Research on Keros has led to various interpretations regarding the religious beliefs and societal structures of early Aegean cultures, enriching our understanding of their way of life.

Review Questions

• How does Keros contribute to our understanding of Early Cycladic art and society?
  • Keros is essential for studying Early Cycladic art because it has yielded numerous significant archaeological finds, particularly marble figurines that provide insights into the artistic styles and cultural practices of that time. These artifacts suggest that Keros was not only a site for artistic expression but also likely served as a ritual center, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and social structures of its inhabitants. The discoveries help illustrate how art was intertwined with daily life and spirituality in ancient Aegean societies.
• Discuss the implications of the Keros Hoard on our perception of trade and ritual practices in Early Cycladic culture.
  • The Keros Hoard, with its collection of broken marble figurines, implies complex ritual practices involving the intentional destruction of items during burial or offerings. This suggests that objects held deep symbolic meaning within Early Cycladic society. Furthermore, the presence of various artifacts indicates active trade networks among Aegean islands, allowing for cultural exchange that shaped artistic developments and social interactions during this period. The findings thus highlight both economic and religious dimensions of life on Keros.
• Evaluate how archaeological findings from Keros challenge or reinforce existing narratives about Early Cycladic civilization.
  • Archaeological findings from Keros challenge existing narratives by suggesting that Early Cycladic civilization was more complex than previously thought, with significant religious practices tied to artistic expression. The ritualistic nature of the Keros Hoard raises questions about the societal roles of art beyond mere aesthetics, indicating possible hierarchical structures or shared beliefs among communities. Moreover, these discoveries reinforce the idea that trade was vital for cultural development in the Aegean, altering our understanding of how interconnected these societies were during the Early Bronze Age.

Related terms

Cycladic Figurines: Stylized marble sculptures that represent human figures, often associated with burial practices and believed to hold religious significance in Cycladic culture.

Early Cycladic Period: A time frame in Aegean prehistory (approximately 3300-2000 BCE) characterized by distinctive art forms, especially marble sculptures and pottery, reflecting the unique cultural developments of the Cycladic islands.

Marble Quarries: Sites on various Aegean islands where high-quality marble was extracted and used for sculpting and architectural purposes, playing a vital role in the development of Cycladic art.