(1050-750 B.C.)

In the aftermath of the collapse of the Mycenaean palatial civilization, in the 12^th 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 11^th cent. B.C. onwards.  At the end of the  9^th 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.