Minoan chronology

Ceramic periodization The standard relative chronology divides Minoan history into three eras: Early Minoan (EM), Middle Minoan (MM) and Late Minoan (LM). These eras are divided into sub-eras using Roman numerals (e.g. EM I, EM II, EM III) and sub-sub-eras using capital letters (e.g. LM IIIA, LM IIIB, LM IIIC). This framework was originated by Arthur Evans during his excavations at Knossos. It remains the standard in Minoan archaeology, though it has been revised and refined by subsequent researchers, and some aspects remain under debate. --> Architectural periodization An alternative framework divides Minoan history based on the construction phases of the Minoan palaces. In this system, the Prepalatial period covers the timespan before the construction of the palaces. The Protopalatial era begins with the construction of the first palaces and ends with their destruction. The Neopalatial period, often considered the zenith of Minoan civilization, begins with the rebuilding of the palaces and ends with yet another wave of destructions. The Postpalatial period covers the era in which Minoan culture continued in the absence of the palaces. Some variants of this system include a Final palace period or a Monopalatial period between the Neo- and Postpalatial periods, corresponding to the era when the palace at Knossos was reoccupied. The architectural periodization was proposed by Nikolaos Platon in 1961, though later scholars have proposed variants and refinements. This system is often used concurrently with the ceramic chronology, since the two are commensurate. For instance, the Prepalatial period covers the ceramic phases EM I through MM IA. == Absolute dating ==

found in an 18th Dynasty context in Egypt Establishing an absolute chronology has proved difficult. Archaeologists have attempted to determine calendar dates by synchronizing the periods of Minoan relative chronology with those of better understood neighbors. For example, Minoan artifacts from the LM IB ceramic period have been found in 18th Dynasty contexts in Egypt, for which Egyptian chronology provides generally accepted calendar dates. However, dates determined in this manner do not always match the results of carbon dating and other methods based on natural science. Much of the controversy concerns the dating of the eruption of Thera, which is known to have occurred towards the end of the LM IA period. While carbon dating places this event (and thus LM IA) around 1600 BC, synchronism with Egyptian records would place it roughly a century later. Theran eruption The timing of natural disasters is of importance to high and low chronologies, which can use the resulting geological evidence to date co-located artifacts. The eruption of the Thera volcano on what is now the island of Santorini is of particular significance to the chronology of Minoan history. The Theran eruption plays a role in both the high and low chronological approaches, although each system assigns a different date range to the event. In his initial framework, Evans vaguely assigned the eruption to the 17th century BCE. However, the broadness of radiocarbon dating has also resulted in dates for the eruption of Thera that do not precisely match evidence from the archeological record. == Minoan history ==

Early Minoan Early Minoan society developed largely continuously from local Neolithic predecessors, with some cultural influence and perhaps migration from eastern populations. This period saw a gradual shift from localized clan-based villages towards the more urbanized and stratified society of later periods. EM I (c. 3100–2650 BC) is marked by the appearance of the first painted ceramics. Continuing a trend that began during the Neolithic, settlements grew in size and complexity, and spread from fertile plains towards highland sites and islands as the Minoans learned to exploit less hospitable terrain. EM II (c. 2650–2200 BC) has been termed an international era. Trade intensified, and Minoan ships began sailing beyond the Aegean to Egypt and Syria, possibly enabled by the invention of masted ships. Minoan material culture shows increased international influence, for instance in the adoption of Minoan seals based on the older Near Eastern seal. Minoan settlements grew, some doubling in size, and monumental buildings were constructed at sites that would later become palaces. EM III (c. 2200–2100 BC) saw the continuation of these trends. Middle Minoan MM I (c. 2100–1875 BC) saw the emergence of Protopalatial society. During MM IA (c. 2100–1925 BC), populations increased dramatically at sites such as Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia, accompanied by major construction projects. During MM IB (c. 1925–1875 BC), the first palaces were built at these sites, in areas that had been used for communal ceremonies since the Neolithic. Middle Minoan artisans developed new colorful paints and adopted the potter's wheel during MM IB, producing wares such as Kamares ware. MM II (c. 1875–1750 BC) saw the development of the Minoan writing systems Cretan hieroglyphic and Linear A. It ended with mass destructions generally attributed to earthquakes, though violent destruction has been considered as an alternative explanation. MM III (c. 1750–1700 BC) marks the beginning of the Neopalatial period. Most of the palaces were rebuilt using architectural innovations, with the notable exception of Phaistos. Cretan hieroglyphs were abandoned in favor of Linear A, and Minoan cultural influence becomes significant in mainland Greece. Late Minoan The Late Minoan period was an eventful time that saw profound change in Minoan society. Many of the most recognizable Minoan artifacts date from this time, for instance the Snake goddess figurines, La Parisienne Fresco, and the marine style of pottery decoration. LM I (c. 1700–1470 BC) was a continuation of the prosperous Neopalatial culture. A notable event from this era was the eruption of the Thera volcano, which occurred around 1600 BC towards the end of the LM IA subperiod. While the eruption destroyed Cycladic settlements such as Akrotiri and led to the abandonment of some sites in northeast Crete, other Minoan sites such as Knossos continued to prosper. The post-eruption LM IB period (c. 1625–1470 BC) saw ambitious new building projects, booming international trade, and artistic developments such as the marine style. LM III (c. 1420–1075 BC) shows profound social and political changes. Among the palaces, only Knossos remained in use, though it too was destroyed by LM IIIB2 and possibly earlier. The language of administration shifted to Mycenaean Greek, written in Linear B, and material culture shows increased mainland influence, reflecting the rise of a Greek-speaking elite. In LM IIIC (c. 1200–1075 BC), coinciding with the wider Late Bronze Age collapse, coastal settlements were abandoned in favor of defensible locations on higher ground. These small villages, some of which grew out of earlier mountain shrines, continued aspects of recognizably Minoan culture until the Early Iron Age. ==Notes==