Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2000 BC
Minoan civilisation reaches its peak in Crete: architectural advances lead to the palaces in Knos-
sos, Phaestos, Malia and Zakros, pottery-making improves and Crete's first script emerges.
1700-1550 BC
Santorini erupts with a cataclysmic volcanic explosion, causing a Mediterranean-wide tsunami
that scholars suggest contributed to the destruction of Minoan civilisation.
1500- 1200 BC
The authoritarian Mycenaean culture from the Peloponnese usurps much of the Cretan and
Cycladic cultures. Goldsmithing is a predominant feature of Mycenaean life.
1400 BC
The Mycenaeans colonise Crete, building cities such as Kydonia (Hania) and Polyrrinia.
Weapons manufacture flourishes; fine arts fall into decline. Greek gods replace worship of the
Mother Goddess.
1200- 800 BC
The Dorians herald 400 years of obscurity in terms of international trade, but excel in the use of
iron weaponry and ironwork in architecture, and develop striking geometric designs on pottery.
1100 BC
The Dorians overrun the Mycenaean cities in Crete. They reorganise the political system, divid-
ing society into classes. A rudimentary democracy replaces monarchical government.
800-700 BC
Homer composes the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey' around this time. The two epic poems are
Greece's earliest pieces of literary art, and are still praised for their poetic genius.
800-650 BC
Independent city-states emerge in the Archaic Age as the Dorians develop. Aristocrats rule
these ministates while tyrants occasionally take power by force. Greek alphabet emerges from
Phoenician script.
700-500 BC
Having originated around 1000 BC in the Peloponnese, the Spartans come to play a decisive
role in Greek history. Politically and militarily, the Spartans dominate for around 200 years.
