- Developed on the island of Crete from around 2700 to 1450 BC.
- Known for its advanced architecture, including the construction of large palaces and cities such as Knossos.
- Minoans were skilled in shipbuilding and seafaring, and their culture was influenced by contacts with other civilizations in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
2. Mycenaean civilization
- Developed on the Greek mainland from around 1600 to 1100 BC.
- Mycenaeans were skilled warriors and builders, and their culture was centered around fortified palaces such as Mycenae and Tiryns.
- They also developed a writing system known as Linear B, which was used to record administrative and economic transactions.
3. Cycladic civilization
- Developed on the Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea from around 3000 to 2000 BC.
- Cycladic culture is best known for its distinctive marble sculptures, such as the "Cycladic figurines."
- They were also skilled in pottery and metallurgy.
4. Helladic civilization
- Developed on the Greek mainland from around 2700 to 1900 BC.
- Helladic culture is best known for its distinctive pottery styles, such as the "Minyan ware."
- They were also skilled in metallurgy and architecture.
5. Dark Ages
- The collapse of the Mycenaean civilization around 1100 BC marked the beginning of the Dark Ages in Greece.
- During this period, there was a decline in population, trade, and cultural activity.
- The Dark Ages ended around 800 BC with the rise of new Greek city-states and the beginning of the Classical Age of Greek civilization.