Helladic chronology

Helladic chronology divides Bronze Age mainland Greece into Early, Middle, and Late Helladic phases, each subdivided into numbered periods. It provides a relative framework for dating archaeological sites and material culture.

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Early Helladic: The earliest phase of Bronze Age mainland Greek archaeology, conventionally divided into Early Helladic I, II, and III. This first major phase establishes the sequence's opening divisions.
Pottery typology: The classification of pottery by recurring forms, fabrics, and decorative styles. Changing pottery styles help distinguish successive Helladic periods.
Cycladic chronology: The archaeological periodization of Bronze Age cultures in the Cyclades, including Early, Middle, and Late Cycladic phases. Its island sequence is often compared with contemporary mainland phases.
Thera eruption: The major Bronze Age volcanic eruption that devastated settlements on the island of Thera, now Santorini. Its disputed calendar date affects correlations among Aegean chronological systems.
Middle Helladic: The middle phase of Bronze Age mainland Greek archaeology, conventionally divided into Middle Helladic I, II, and III. Its subdivisions mark the period between Early and Late Helladic.
Stratigraphy: The study of layered deposits to establish the sequence in which archaeological materials were deposited. Layer relationships can order Helladic material when its calendar date is unknown.
Minoan chronology: The archaeological periodization of Bronze Age Crete into Early, Middle, and Late Minoan phases. Its Cretan sequence provides a key regional comparison for Helladic dating.
Aegean chronology debate: Scholarly debate over the absolute dates of Bronze Age Aegean periods and events. Disagreements over scientific and historical evidence shift proposed Helladic dates.
Late Helladic: The final phase of Bronze Age mainland Greek archaeology, conventionally divided into Late Helladic I, II, and III. Its subdivisions organize the Mycenaean-era archaeological sequence.
Radiocarbon dating: A method of estimating the age of once-living material by measuring its radioactive carbon-14 content. Radiocarbon measurements can test and refine dates assigned to Helladic phases.