The early Bronze Age in the Aegean, also known as the Early Cycladic period, is divided into sub–periods, corresponding primarily to the advances in pottery techniques and design.

By the first period of the Bronze Age (Halcolithic Age), the Cyclades had already developed a culture with its own distinct features.

The expansion of shipping and trade between 2800–2700 BC generated the growth of ports, which became small urban centers. Besides Phylakopi on Milos, other centers were Akrotiri on Santorini, Aghia lrin on Kea, Parikia on Paros, and so on. Fortified settlements also appeared, such as at Kastri on Syros, Panormos on Naxos, Kynthos on Delos, Halandriani on Syros, and so far on.

But these settlements did not last long and came to violent ends. As a result, artistic creation in the Aegean was suspended and the settlements did not evolve into city–states.

After 2000 BC, Minoan civilization made inroads into the Cyclades. This infiltration affected not only pottery making, architecture and metallurgy, but also writing, religion and systems of measurement.

The eruption of the Santorini volcano, in c. 1 650 BC, made an impact on developments in the Aegean. Here was initial period of decline after the eruption, but a revival soon followed.

The settlement of Phylakopi on Milos (Phylakopi III) was rebuilt on top of the ruins of Phylahopi II. Evidence shows that during this period the Cyclades invaded by the same peoples, mostly from mainland Greece, who had invaded Crete alter the eruption of the Santorini volcano. Phylakopi Ill was destroyed and Phylakopi IV became a fortified Settlement. Minoan Crete, like the Cyclades, was strongly influenced by Mycenaean civilization.

Because of their geographic position, the Cyclades, in particular, became a bridge for Mycenaean trade activities.

The Mycenaeans took advantage of the islanders' shipbuilding knowledge and sailing experience which resulted in further growth of the Cyclades during the late Bronze Age.