Late Minoan

Refers to the latest phase of Minoan art and culture, according to the classification system devised by the archaeologist, Arthur Evans. It is characterized by fresco painting, reconstruction of palaces, and especially by pottery decoration painted in dark-firing slip on a pale ground, in contrast to earlier designs that were white on a dark slip ground. Designs are typically composed of more naturalistic plants and animals arranged in geometric zones or designs. It overlaps with the Neopalatial and the Postpalatial periods.