Minoan timeline

The periods and the duration is shown below “c.” (circa): before the date ranges indicate that the dates are approximate and based on archaeological evidence, which is always subject to some degree of interpretation and revision. This is standard practice in archaeology. Mycenaean Period Clarification: The Mycenaean period is clearly labeled as such, and the LM (Late Minoan) designations are retained within it to show the continuity of Cretan periodization. This acknowledges that while Mycenaeans were in control, the local Cretan context continues Since the Minoan history spans over two millennia, the period categorization helps to identify the findings and the archaeological sites.

Prepalatial
3100–2650 BCE
Early Minoan I (EM I)

Emergence of settled communities, early metalworking, and the development of distinctive pottery styles. First appearance of tholos tombs (circular communal tombs) in the south, and house tombs in the north.

Prepalatial
c. 2650-2150 BCE
Early Minoan II (EM II)

EM IIA  2650 – 2400 BCE – Increased social complexity, expansion of settlements (like Mochlos), early long-distance trade. “Vasiliki ware” pottery. Widespread destruction horizons at some sites. EM IIB 2400 – 2150 BCE – Continued growth, peak of Early Minoan culture at some sites. More elaborate metalworking, stone vase production.

Prepalatial
c. 2150 - 2050 BCE
Early Minoan III (EM III)

Transition period, with continuity from EM II and foreshadowing of the Middle Minoan period. “White-on-dark” and “dark-on-light” pottery styles.

Prepalatial
c. 2050 - 1900 BCE
Middle Minoan IA (MM IA)
Phaistos archaeological site in south Crete, at the background Messara plain

First palaces built (Knossos, Phaistos, Malia). Increased population, more complex social organization. Early hieroglyphic script.

Protopalatial
c. 1900 - 1750 BCE
Middle Minoan IB (MM IB)

Further development of palaces, elaborate pottery (Kamares ware), expansion of trade networks.

Protopalatial
c. 1750 - 1700 BCE
Middle Minoan II (MM II)
ai generated image of Thera (Santorini) Minoan volcano eruption

MM IIA 1750 – 1700 BCE – Peak of the Old Palace (Protopalatial) period. Major destructions at many sites, possibly due to earthquakes, marking the end of this phase. MM IIB 1700 BCE – Short period of Rebuilding and reoccupation after destructions.

Neopalatial
c. 1700-1600 BCE
Middle Minoan III (MM III)

MM IIIA 1700 -1 650 BCE – Beginning of the Neopalatial. MM IIIB 1650 – 1600 BCE – Second Palace Period begins (Neopalatial). Rebuilding after destructions. Linear A script develops. Increased artistic and architectural sophistication.

Neopalatial
c. 1600 - 1470 BCE
Late Minoan IA (LM IA)

Height of Minoan civilization. Extensive trade, influence throughout the Aegean. “Marine Style” and “Floral Style” pottery. Thera eruption occurs towards the end of this period.

Neopalatial
c. 1470 - 1420 BCE
Late Minoan IB (LM IB)

Widespread destructions across Crete, except at Knossos. Often considered the end of the Neopalatial period, though Knossos continues. Transitional and debated phase.

Postpalatial/Mycenaean
c. 1420 - 1370 BCE
Mycenaean Period on Crete – Late Minoan II (LM II)

Mycenaean control of Knossos. Linear B script replaces Linear A. Changes in burial customs, art, and architecture. Beginning of significant Mycenaean influence.

Postpalatial/Mycenaean
c. 1370 - 1190. BCE
Late Minoan IIIA (LM IIIA)

LM IIIA 1370 – 1330. BCE – Continued Mycenaean presence. Palace at Knossos still functioning, until final destruction, in LMIIIA2. LM IIIA2 1330 – 1190 BCE – Final destruction of Knossos

Postpalatial/Mycenaean
c. 1190 - 1070 BCE
Late Minoan IIIB (LM IIIB)

Mycenaean cultural influence continues, but with increasing regionalism and signs of decline. Many settlements are abandoned or reduced in size.

Postpalatial/Mycenaean
c. 1070 - 1000 BCE
Late Minoan IIIC (LM IIIC)

End of the Bronze Age on Crete. Transition to the Cretan Early Iron Age. Significant population shifts, some settlements move to more defensible locations. “Close Style” pottery.