There is evidence of prehistoric settlements in several islands in Cyclades proving that they have been inhabited since at least 7000 BC. The major prehistoric remnants were found in Santorini where there is a settlement excavated in Akrotiri village that is connected with Minoan civilization of Crete. Since then, the history of the islands of Cyclades goes along in time with the major mainland civilization of Mycenae and by the middle of the 5th century BC the islands were members of a fully fledged Athenian empire that placed their most significant centre in the island of Delos, next to Mykonos. Cycladic art born in the days of prosperity has offered many pieces of work exhibited in museums and still being imitated by moderns. After the decline of Athens, the islands have seen many invaders and have been occupied several times from Romans to constant pirate invasions, under Venetian Rule in the 12th century, occupied by Ottomans in 15th century and Italians during the 1st World War.