What to Know Helladic Chronology

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Helladic Chronology is a dating system used to decipher art and archaeology in ancient Greece. It serves as a way of looking at The Minoan Civilization. The primary area of Helladic Chronology is mainland Greece. There is evidence that the civilization developed throughout the whole region.

The systems help historians figure out the dating for different tools and weapons. The Helladic schemes were grouped into three periods: Early, Middle, and Late. Helladic society and culture has origins in Neolithic Greece. There were small villages in the area that relied on farming and hunting. Over time, residents developed new skills based around architecture and metallurgy.

Origins of Helladic Chronology

Archaeology has provided evidence through pottery of how life was in Mainland Greece and Crete. The Aegean people were different from the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. The Aegean people were illiterate, so they relied on pottery to document everything. Even though the pottery was destroyed, archaeologists were able to collect some of the broken pieces. There were multiple settlements during the Helladic period. Some of the cities include Lerna, Tiryns, Thebes, Manika, Agios Dimitrios, and Eutresis.

Early Helladic Period

The Early Helladic Period is known for its emphasis on agriculture, as well as importing copper and bronze. The first bronze working techniques were developed in Anatolia. The Early Helladic Period occurred during the same time that Egypt was establishing its new kingdom. Sites in Boeatia are marked by pottery that illustrates life in Anatolia. A new potter’s wheel was invented. The first period featured red slipped pottery at Korakou.

Researchers point out some similarities between this early Helladic period and the final Neolithic period. The second period involved multiple innovations that impacted the culture. There were also multiple changes to the agricultural practices. The final days of this Helladic Period happened at Lerna. There was a rumored invasion that resulted in The Tiles being destroyed. There were new inventions during this period, including apsidal houses, terracotta anchors, and hammer-axes. Mainland Greece interacted with citizens of Western Asia Minor and Albania.

Middle Helladic Period

The Middle Helladic Period featured some regression. Minyan ware emerged, and some historians believe that The Minyans invented the ware. The Middle Helladic Period occurred while Egypt was establishing its Middle Kingdom. The Sites are located in Central Greece and throughout The Peloponnese.

Late Helladic Period

The Late Helladic Period featured substantial growth. Mycenaean Greece prospered, thanks to the influence of The Cyclades. The Greek Script Linear B developed during this period. The pottery shows parts of the settlements in Nichoria and Voroulia. During the second period, there were multiple signs of Cretan influences.

During the late parts of the period, the pottery was taken from The House at Mycenae and Sparta. The pottery also showcases a Mycenaean expansion that covers The Eastern Mediterranean. Some of the pottery outlines the material from Zygouries. This time period occurred after Ugarit was eliminated.

The Helladic Period will always be known for the major advances that happened during this time period. Historians believe that many sophisticated societies existed during this time.

Categorized in: Ancient Greek History

This post was written by Greek Boston