Protopalatial

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  4. Styles and Periods (hierarchy name)
  5. [styles, periods, and cultures by region]
  6. Early Western World
  7. Mediterranean (Early Western World)
  8. Aegean
  9. Aegean periods
  10. Aegean Bronze Age periods
  11. Minoan
  12. Protopalatial
Scope note
Refers to a phase of Minoan art and culture, according to the classification system devised by the archaeologist, Nikolas Platon. It began around 2,000 BCE and ended when earthquakes apparently ravaged the area around 1,700 BCE. It is characterized by economic centralization, establishment of extensive foreign contacts, the development of a more sophisticated script known as "Linear A," the construction of distinctive, large palaces, the emergence of royal towns, a remarkable absence of fortifications, and a general flourishing of the arts, particularly in fresco painting, pottery decoration, carved stone vases, and jewelry. It overlaps with the Middle Minoan period.
Protopalatial
Accepted term: 14-Apr-2025