Early in this period (Late Cycladic I-II 1600-1400 B.C.) and under Cretan influence, the Middle Cycladic centres reach an acme with improved organization, developed architecture, strong fortifications, large central public buildings and temples , and with a recording system and archives as well.

The unique wall paintings of Akrotiri in Thera and the fragmentary paintings from Phylacopi with their monumental rendition of nature and of official community events , are distinctive creations , as also the richly decorated pottery. There is a thriving business in the working of stone and metals. Later on,  under Mycenaean hegemony (Late Cycladic III 1400-1100 B.C.), the Cycladic centres are ports of call in the Mycenaean network of communication and trade in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. Now strongly Mycenaean in character, they continue to play an important role down to the end of the period.