The Early Minoan period, spanning from approximately 3000 to 2000 BCE, marks the beginning of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. This era is characterized by the development of advanced pottery styles, including the use of polychrome ceramics, and the establishment of small settlements. During this time, the Minoans began to engage in trade with neighboring cultures, which contributed to their economic growth. The construction of early palatial complexes and the use of Linear A script for record-keeping also emerged, laying the foundation for the later, more complex phases of Minoan society.