Protogeometric Period (1100-900 BC)
The final collapse of the Mycenaean civilization in around 1100
BC marked the end of the Aegean Bronze Age and a period of
severe economic and cultural depression followed. This period in
Greek history is known as "the Dark Age". The 11th century BC
saw Greece overrun with Achaeans and Dorians who, having
occupied the mainland, turned their attention to Crete and
established control. These new conquerors of the island became
known as Eteocretans and they constructed new settlements in the
more remote areas of eastern and central Crete, for example in
Karfi Lasithious and Praissos.
The depths of this depression occurred from around 1100 to 1050
BC and, in Crete, it is known as the Sub-Minoan period. The new
conquerors brought new customs to the island such as cremating
their dead and produced cruder, simplified versions of the old
Minoan and Mycenaean pottery. Metalworking was fairly
rudimentary although the new technology of iron working was
embraced and they brought with them tools, weapons and other
objects made from iron. Following on from this collapse of
Palace culture and the ensuing Dark Ages, the Protogeometric
style of pottery began to emerge in the middle of the 11th
century BC and perhaps indicates the beginning of a reviving
civilization. A faster potters" wheel was designed and the
design of vases during this period are more technically
accomplished than the examples from the Dark Ages.