Postpalatial

Refers to the last phase of Minoan art and culture, according to the classification system devised by the archaeologist, Nikolas Platon. It follows the downfall of the ruling elite at Knossos, Crete, lasting from around 1375 BCE to around 1000 BCE. It is characterized by increasing political and economic fragmentation on Crete, beginning the process that would lead to the development of powerful city-states. It is also characterized by the exodus of Minoans from Crete, who with the Mycenaeans, were among the "Sea Peoples" who threatened Egypt, were defeated by Rameses III, and finally settled and became known as the "Philistines."