Cretan Early Iron Age (c. 1000 – 800 BCE): The “Cretan Dark Ages”
The Cretan Early Iron Age, often referred to as the “Cretan Dark Ages,” marks a significant period of transition and transformation on the island following the collapse of the Mycenaean palatial system around 1000 BCE. This era, lasting roughly until 800 BCE, is characterized by a notable decline in population, a simplification of material culture, and the loss of the Linear B writing system, which had been used during the Mycenaean period. Unlike the preceding Bronze Age, with its elaborate palaces, extensive trade networks, and sophisticated art, the Early Iron Age presents a picture of relative isolation, reduced social complexity, and a scarcity of written records, hence the designation “Dark Ages.” This term, however, should not imply a complete cultural void, but rather a period for which our archaeological and historical understanding is more limited due to the lack of written sources and the less monumental nature of the surviving remains.
The changes observed on Crete during this period were likely the result of a combination of factors, including internal social and political upheavals, potential migrations or movements of people, and disruptions in the wider Eastern Mediterranean world. Many coastal settlements, including those that had flourished during the Mycenaean period, were abandoned or significantly reduced in size. A key characteristic of the Cretan Dark Ages is the shift in settlement patterns, with many communities relocating to more defensible, higher-altitude locations. This suggests a period of increased instability and possibly inter-community conflict. Examples of such refuge settlements include Karphi, a spectacularly situated site high in the Lasithi Mountains, which provides evidence of a substantial population living in a relatively isolated and protected environment. Ornes, also located in a mountainous region, represents another example of this trend. The site shows occupation spanning to this period, with the previous Minoan/Mycenaean settlement likely becoming a more fortified and defensible position. Other important sites from this period include Vrokastro, located on a steep hill overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello, and Kavousi Kastro, perched on a high peak in eastern Crete. These sites typically feature simple, often irregular architecture, contrasting sharply with the elaborate palatial structures of the preceding periods. Pottery styles also changed, with the elaborate Mycenaean decorations giving way to simpler, often geometric, designs. Although called dark, it doesn’t mean that there was no pottery production or crafting. The pottery of this period in Crete exhibits local character and influences from other Aegean regions.
Archaeologically and historically speaking, is a difficult period to investigate, due to the reduced amount of material evidences.
