Ancient Moderns: Greek Island Art and Culture, 2000-3000 B.C.

Describes a culture which flourished in the Cyclades Islands five hundred years before the rise of the Minoan Empire. Suggests volcanic activity as the reason for the Cycladians' disappearance, leaving behind no written language, but a wealth of sculpture, metalwork, and pottery. Combines location photography with displays of Cycladian finds to note the historical continuity of life in the Aegean. Points out the modernistic stylization of the human form prevalent in Cycladic statuary, which inspired Pablo Picasso's art., Narrated by Rex Harrison and shot on location on the Cycladic Islands, this Film examines the sculpture, pottery, tools and jewelry of this mysterious civilization with no written or oral records. Examines its influence on modern-day art. Describes a culture which flourished in the Cyclades Islands five hundred years before the rise of the Minoan Empire. Suggests volcanic activity as the reason for the Cycladians' disappearance, leaving behind no written language, but a wealth of sculpture, metalwork, and pottery. Combines location photography with displays of Cycladian finds to note the historical continuity of life in the Aegean. Points out the modernistic stylization of the human form prevalent in Cycladic statuary, which inspired Pablo Picasso's art.