Four score years have passed since archaeological research began to occupy itself with the preclassical age of Greek lands; and this is perhaps an appropriate moment to cast a brief appraising glance at what has been accomplished and what remains still to be done. It is an especially fitting subject in this volume of studies issued in honour of Professor Alan J. B. Wace, who has himself played so large a part in the task of uncovering and interpreting the early remains on the mainland of Greece. This long span of eight decades might be divided into two almost equal stages, that of pioneering exploration and discovery, and that of re-examination, more detailed research and synthesis.