The transition from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age in the Argolid is often framed through the Shaft Graves of Mycenae, the appearance of Mycenaean decorated pottery, and the later spread of tholos and chamber tombs. Central Greece presents a different rhythm. Here, Middle Helladic practices endured: built chamber tombs remained in use, monochrome and matt-painted wares thrived, and Mycenaean elements appeared only slowly. Yet with LH IIIA2, the full Mycenaean repertoire emerges with striking speed.

This lecture explores the distinctive developmental pathways of early Late Bronze Age Central Greece, with pottery as the main line of evidence, complemented by settlement and funerary data. Inland and coastal differences will be discussed, as will also the role of northward connections, a factor rather overlooked in recent narratives. The site of Staphylos on Skopelos may have played a role in this process, and the first results of the new ASkoS project will also be presented.

Rather than offering a final solution to Mycenaeanisation, the talk will outline the main issues that should serve as building blocks for any future narrative on Central Greece. Parallels with the East Aegean will also be drawn.