Geometric Period

COLLECTIONS CYPRIOT ANTIQUITIES
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(1050-750 B.C.)

In the aftermath of the collapse of the Mycenaean palatial civilization, in the 12th cent. B.C., colonists from Mainland Greece and the islands settle permanently on Cyprus and eventually the Greek language prevails, as indicated by the Cypro-syllabic script from the 11th cent. B.C. onwards.  At the end of the  9th cent. B.C. the Phoenicians set up their first trade station at Kition (modern Larnaka), where from they spread across the whole of the Mediterranean.

This period is characterized by pottery decorated in austere style with geometric themes bordered by bands and frames. Both the White-painted pottery (decorated with black on white ground) and the Bichrome ware (decorated with black and red on white ground) were particularly popular.


Exhibition's objects

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