Crete and Italy in the Late Bronze Age III Period

The connections between Crete and Italy in the Late Bronze Age III period have long been disregarded. This article attempts to correct the situation. Given the finds we have at present, Minoan metals appear to have played no major role in Italy, while Italian metal objects were desired by Cretans. Two major areas with "Mycenaean" pottery—Scoglio del Tonno and Sardinia—are given closer study, because they were probably once important emporia and they have rich ceramic material. In both areas the presence of Minoan pottery can be demonstrated, and the products of the local Kydonian workshop of West Crete are identified on Sardinia. Taken with the Italian pottery found on Crete, it is clear that interconnections existed between the two areas. Crete offered luxury goods in exchange for needed raw materials, mainly European and Sardinian metals and some finished products.