Palaeointensity and thermoluminescence measurements on Cretan kilns from 1300 to 2000 BC

The strength of the geomagnetic field in Crete during Minoan times has been determined using kiln wall samples from three Minoan palaces, Faistos, Aghia Triada and Kato Zakros, from the Minoan village at Stylos Hania and a Roman kiln at Kalo Horio. The samples have been dated by thermoluminescence measurements providing absolute dates for the construction of a palaeointensity curve. Without the thermoluminescence dates it would have been necessary to use the archaeologists' estimates of the kiln ages, one of which is shown here to be in error by 500 yr.