The Pre-Palatial Period (2,600-1900 BC)
The transition from Neolithic to Early Minoan was related to
increased commercial activity and the arrival of new settlers
from Asia Minor, Egypt and the Cyclades. With these pioneers
came the technique of working with copper and the extensive use
of this metal resulted in further commerce and a growth in
population. The location of the island with its rich, fertile
ground and its lengthy period of peace created the right
conditions for the development of a splendid civilization which
flourished in the ensuing centuries.
The pre-Palatial period divides into three separate stages which
follow the Egyptian calendar basing its phases on the change of
dynastic rule. During the first stage the substitution of copper
was not fully established and stone or clay utensils were still
utilised. The pottery of this period, although still handmade,
begins to show the progression of style and technique with new
shapes and decoration being used. It is at this time that the
earliest painted decoration of red or brown stripes on a beige
or cream background is noted. Furthermore, the communication
with neighbouring areas was still restricted. In the second
stage there is a growth of shipping activity and trade in tin
for use in the production of copper. In addition, there was an
increase in husbandry and fishing. Burial in caves was still the
norm but there is evidence of the first built tombs appearing.
Remains of such primitive tombs can be seen at Messara, Archanes,
Krasi, Agia Photia and at Mochlos where house-like tombs were
cut into terraces along the cliff.
Several cities, in strategic sites, developed and expanded at
this time. Characteristics of the third stage are the
improvements made in techniques of construction and new
materials such as gems, ivory and gold are used in the design of
artefacts and jewellery. This development of specialist
craftwork was a natural outcome of the growth of a more
centralised society. Contact with neighbouring areas and beyond
increased and evidence of a Minoan colony has been found on
Kythera in the southern Peloponnese.
Two sites of this period have been discovered and excavated. The
first, Phournou Koriphi near Myrtos seems to be a close-knit
settlement with clearly defined living areas, kitchens,
workrooms and store-rooms. At Vaskiliki, the second settlement,
the plan implies a less close-knit communal arrangement with
features such as paved courtyards and internally plastered walls
of crimson that seem to suggest the development of more palatial
living arrangements associated with the next millennium. .