--- title: Aegean author: Joshua J. Mark source: https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2023-09-25 --- # Aegean _Authored by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/)_ The Aegean Sea lies between the coast of [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) and [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) (modern-day [Turkey](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/)). It contains over 2,000 islands which were settled by the ancient Greeks; the largest among them being [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/) (Kriti) and the best known and most often photographed Santorini ([Thera](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/) or Thira). Both of these islands have strong associations with ancient history and [Greek mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/) in that Crete features significantly in the myth of [Theseus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Theseus/) and the [Minotaur](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minotaur/) while the destruction of Santorini by a volcano eruption has long been considered a probable source for [Plato](https://www.worldhistory.org/plato/)'s description of [Atlantis](https://www.worldhistory.org/atlantis/) in his dialogues of [Critias](https://www.worldhistory.org/Critias/) and Timaeus. ### Name Origin In ancient times there were various explanations for the name 'Aegean'. It was said to have been named after the Greek town of Aegae, or after Aegea, a queen of the [Amazons](https://www.worldhistory.org/amazon/) who died in the sea, or Aigaion, the "sea goat", another name of Briareus, one of the [archaic](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Archaic/) Hecatonchires, or, especially among the Athenians, Aegeus, the father of Theseus, who drowned himself in the sea when he thought his son had died on his famous expedition to Crete to defeat the Minotaur. A possible etymology is a derivation from the Greek word αἶγες – *aiges* = "waves" (Hesychius of [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/); metaphorical use of αἴξ (*aix*) "goat"), hence "wavy sea", cf. also αἰγιαλός (*aigialos*) "coast". ### Aegean [Trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) The early inhabitants of Greece, the Mycenaens, relied heavily on the Aegean for trade and, it seems, traveled as far as Spain and [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). Commercial sea trading became their main source of income and, in time, they colonized the various islands of the Aegean archipelago and produced various commodities such as figs, grapes, wine, raisins, honey, wheat, assorted vegetables, and herbs. Marble, especially, became an important export in trade. This produce, along with that of the mainland, went to make the merchants of ancient Greece wealthy, but the same waters on which they relied for their wealth and livelihood became the avenue for their downfall. [ ![Fisherman Fresco, Akrotiri](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/2442.jpg?v=1769492771) Fisherman Fresco, Akrotiri Marcus Cyron (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2442/fisherman-fresco-akrotiri/ "Fisherman Fresco, Akrotiri")### [Sea Peoples](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sea_Peoples/) In about 1200 BCE the [Mycenaean civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/) collapsed and, while no one cause is universally agreed upon, it is considered very likely that they succumbed to the same mysterious invaders who ravaged Egypt and [Anatolia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/): the Sea Peoples. Whoever the Sea Peoples were, they are documented as harrassing the Egyptians, the [Hittites](https://www.worldhistory.org/hittite/), the Greeks, and the [Phoenicians](https://www.worldhistory.org/phoenicia/) (Canaanites) until finally settling along the coast of [Canaan](https://www.worldhistory.org/canaan/) and acquiring the name [Philistines](https://www.worldhistory.org/Philistines/). There is no doubt among scholars, based upon primary sources, that the Sea Peoples came to Greece from the south on the Aegean Sea and ravaged the coastline, making incursions on to the mainland and seizing islands. Shortly after their arrival, the Dorians descended from the north of Greece and the [Mycenaean](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/) [civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/civilization/) was over (though some scholars have speculated that Mycenaen [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) was kept alive through those Greeks who would eventually found [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) while [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) proudly claimed Doric ancestry). Greek civilization as recognized today grew out of the aftermath of the Dorian invasion. It is interesting to note, if one believes that the Mycenaean culture survived through Athens, that the Greek colonies of Asia Minor were largely settled by Athenians. The poet [Homer](https://www.worldhistory.org/homer/) is said to have come from one of these Greek colonies and the famous heroes of his [Iliad](https://www.worldhistory.org/iliad/), arguably the most popular and influential work of its time, are all Mycenaeans. ### In [Mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/mythology/) The Aegean Sea features prominently in many of the most famous Greek myths (Icarus and Daedelus, Theseus and the Minotaur, [Jason and the Argonauts](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/425/jason--the-argonauts/), The [Odyssey](https://www.worldhistory.org/Odyssey/), among others) and Plato made ample use of the islands in his dialogues. In his *Euthyphro*, for example, Plato purposefully has the young man who claims to know everything come from the island of [Naxos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Naxos/) which was known to be the most prosperous and the residents quite wealthy and condescending. According to [Herodotus](https://www.worldhistory.org/herodotus/), the island of Naxos was the most prosperous in trade c. 500 BCE and was easily able to pay tribute to Athens in the form of [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) rather than military aid after the island's failed attempt to leave the [Delian League](https://www.worldhistory.org/Delian_League/) in 476 BCE. In the Golden Age of Greece and beyond, the Aegean Sea continued to serve an important function in trade and in [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/), helping the [Greek culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Greek_Culture/) and civilization to flourish until the Romans, like the Sea Peoples before them, employed the waterways for [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) and subdued Greece. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Durant, W. *The Life of Greece.* Simon & Schuster, 2011.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B004ZZS4YA/) - [Hamilton, E. *The Greek Way.* W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B004AE34PU/) - [Plato. *The Collected Dialogues of Plato.* Princeton University Press, 2005.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0691097186/) ## About the Author Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-j-mark/38/614/339) ## Timeline - **c. 5000 BCE**: The [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/) are first inhabited by settlers from Asia Mnior. - **c. 4500 BCE**: First settlement on [Thera](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/). - **3000 BCE - 2200 BCE**: The first archaeological evidence of organised communities in the [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/). - **3000 BCE - 2000 BCE**: First human presence recorded on [Kos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kos/). - **3000 BCE - 2000 BCE**: Distinctive minimalistic standing marble figurines are produced in the [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/). - **2300 BCE**: [Bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/) is used in the [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/). - **2200 BCE - 1700 BCE**: Evidence of town planning and more sophisticated [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) in the Cylades. - **c. 2000 BCE**: [Akrotiri](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/) becomes an important [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/) trading centre. - **2000 BCE - 1650 BCE**: [Akrotiri](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/) on [Thera](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/) reaches its peak of prosperity and becomes a flourishing [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) trading centre. - **2000 BCE - 1450 BCE**: [Minoan civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minoan_Civilization/) in [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/) and the [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/). - **1900 BCE - 1100 BCE**: [Mycenaean civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/) in [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) and the [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/). - **c. 1850 BCE - c. 1450 BCE**: The [Linear A script](https://www.worldhistory.org/Linear_A_Script/) of the [Minoan civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minoan_Civilization/) is in use. - **1700 BCE**: Second [Palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) of [Knossos](https://www.worldhistory.org/knossos/) on [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/). - **1700 BCE - 1400 BCE**: The [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) in the [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/) is increasingly influenced by [Minoan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Minoan/) [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/). - **1650 BCE - 1550 BCE**: Eruption of [Thera](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/) and consequent tidal waves, destruction of [Akrotiri](https://www.worldhistory.org/thera/) and other [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/) centres. - **c. 1600 BCE**: [Rhodes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rhodes/) has significant contact with [Minoan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Minoan/) [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/). - **1600 BCE - 1200 BCE**: The [Mycenaean](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/) settlement of Serayia flourishes on [Kos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kos/). - **c. 1400 BCE**: [Rhodes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rhodes/) has significant contact with the [Mycenaean civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/). - **1400 BCE - 1100 BCE**: [Culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) in the [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/) is increasingly influenced by the [Mycenaean civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/) of mainland [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). - **1100 BCE**: Dorian peoples occupy [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). - **c. 1100 BCE**: Evidence of settlement destruction and abandonment across the [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/). - **c. 700 BCE**: Settlers from mainland [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/), possibly [Samos](https://www.worldhistory.org/samos/), settle on [Samothrace](https://www.worldhistory.org/Samothrace/). - **c. 700 BCE**: [Paros](https://www.worldhistory.org/Paros/) begins to export its Parian marble across the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) world and it is widely used in temples and [sculpture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Sculpture/). - **700 BCE - 600 BCE**: Temples are built in honour of [Apollo](https://www.worldhistory.org/apollo/), [Demeter](https://www.worldhistory.org/demeter/) and [Dionysos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Dionysos/) on the island of [Naxos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Naxos/). - **c. 499 BCE**: [Naxos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Naxos/) is attacked by [Darius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/darius/)' Persian forces. - **c. 467 BCE**: The island of [Naxos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Naxos/) rebels against Athenian dominance of the [Delian League](https://www.worldhistory.org/Delian_League/). - **431 BCE - 404 BCE**: The Cycladic [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) states side with [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) in the [Peloponnesian war](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnesian_War/) against [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) and her allies. - **417 BCE - 415 BCE**: Melos, after supporting [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) in the [Peloponnesian War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnesian_War/), is attacked by [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/). - **412 BCE**: The Spartan general Astyochus sacks [Kos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kos/). - **377 BCE - 355 BCE**: The Cycladic [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) states join [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) in the Second Athenian League against [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) . - **363 BCE**: A rebellion against Athenian dominance of the Second Athenian League on Keos is quashed by [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/). - **166 BCE**: [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) gives dominion over the [Cyclades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyclades/) to [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/). - **88 BCE**: Mithridates attacks and detroys the island of [Delos](https://www.worldhistory.org/delos/). ## External Links - [Episode 05 – Maps for The Ancient Pirates of The Aegean Sea – History of Pirates Podcast](http://www.historyofpiratespodcast.com/?p=131) - [Episode 05 – Ancient Pirates of the Aegean Sea – History of Pirates Podcast](http://www.historyofpiratespodcast.com/?p=129) - [HISTORY OF AEGEAN CIVILIZATION](http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac39) - [Site Unavailable](http://history-world.org/aegean_civilization.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Mark, J. J. (2011, April 28). Aegean. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Mark, Joshua J.. "Aegean." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 28, 2011. . ### MLA Mark, Joshua J.. "Aegean." *World History Encyclopedia*, 28 Apr 2011, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/ "User Page: Joshua J. Mark"), published on 28 April 2011. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.