Neopalatial Period (1700-1450 BC)
Despite the destruction of the palaces were restored and rebuilt
on a larger scale and, by the start of the Neopalatial period,
the economy began to thrive and the population increased with
new settlements becoming established all over Crete. This period
signifies the height of the Minoan civilization. The palaces
again became the centres of economic, social and religious life.
Around them were constructed a rich variety of other buildings
including merchant"s villas, mansions for high officials and
priests, workshops, storage rooms, shops, cafes and dwellings
for more lowly citizens. Our evidence to show how people lived
their daily lives comes from the large amount of archaeological
finds that have been excavated. We can surmise that most people
in the urban settlements were employed in trade and the import
and export of wine, oil and perfumes.
A small minority of local people worked as potters, weavers or
farmers. The biggest commercial centres were located at Phaestos,
Agia Triada, Agioi Theodori, Malia and the Port of Amnissos. The
society was strictly hierarchical with the King at the apex, who
was worshipped as a High Priest and the merchant class,
manufacturers and priests commanding respect after him. This
rich and thriving Minoan civilization continued to impress and
influence the colonies and mainland Greece.
The splendour of the palaces impresses visitors even today. And
from these ruins we can garner a multitude of information about
the lives of the ancient Minoans: their worshipping and burial
customs, their artistic tastes and skills, how they spent their
daily lives and how they structured their society with regards
to class, religion and gender.
Around 1450 BC Minoan culture and civilization experienced a
defining moment and the cities and palaces were once more
destroyed. It is thought that this was due to a further eruption
of the Thira volcano, consequent tsunami and extensive fires
which demolished nearly everything. The palaces at Malia,
Phaestos, Tylissos and Ayia Triade were destroyed together with
the living quarters in Knossos. The palace at Knossos seems to
have survived, remaining largely intact. This enabled the
Knossos dynasty to recover slightly until it was finally overrun
by Mycenaean Greeks. .