In the morning we had last good meal at Amalia hotel in Nafplio and once checked out we were heading towards Athens, but stopped in the ancient city of Mycenae – or what’s left of it to be precise. My history teacher would be jealous of me being here as we learned about the ancient city of Mycenae in the secondary school. Another day of scorching heat of 42°C (107.6°F).
The Cyclopean wall at Mycenae is a prominent archaeological feature that dates back to the Late Bronze Age. It is named after the mythical Cyclops, as the large stone blocks used in its construction were thought to have been placed by these mythical creatures.
The wall was built around the 13th century BC and served as a defensive fortification for the ancient citadel of Mycenae. The exact purpose and construction techniques of the Cyclopean wall remain a topic of debate among archaeologists and historians.
The wall is made up of massive limestone blocks, some weighing several tons, which were fitted together without mortar. The impressive size and weight of the stones used in the construction, along with the skillful masonry, have led to the belief that the wall was built by the Mycenaean civilisation using advanced engineering techniques.
of the Mycenaean civilisation, which was one of the most advanced and dominant cultures in the Mediterranean during that time.
Many of the artefacts found at Mycenae are highly significant and have helped to shape our understanding of the Mycenaean civilisation. One of the most famous discoveries made at the site is the Mask of Agamemnon, a gold funeral mask that is believed to have belonged to a Mycenaean king.
The Lion Gate was constructed around 1250 BCE, making it over 3,000 years old and well-preserved structure in the complex. It is the main entrance to the ancient city of Mycenae, which was the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation during the Late Bronze Age.
The gate consists of two massive stone uprights, or columns, that support a massive lintel stone above them. The lintel stone weighs approximately 20 tons and is carved with a relief sculpture of two lions standing on either side of a central column. These lions are depicted in a heraldic pose, with one paw raised. The lion is a symbol of power and strength, and this intricate relief sculpture showcases the advanced artistic skills of the Mycenaean civilization.
The Lion Gate served as both a defensive structure and a symbol of the city’s power. It was an impressive entrance that would have intimidated and impressed anyone approaching the city. The gate also provided access to the fortification walls that surrounded Mycenae, offering protection to its inhabitants.
The discovery and excavation of the Lion Gate at Mycenae ruins were part of the larger efforts to uncover and understand the Mycenaean civilisation. The ruins of Mycenae were first excavated in the late 19th century by the renowned archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. His discoveries, including the Lion Gate, provided invaluable insights into the ancient civilisation and brought the Mycenaeans into the spotlight of archaeological research.
Tholos Tomb of the Genii of Mycenae (Θολωτός Τέλειος Τάφος των Δαιμόνων Μυκηνών)
Tholos Tomb of the Genii of Mycenae is an ancient burial monument and it is believed to date back to the Late Helladic period, also known as the Mycenaean period, which spanned from around 1600 to 1100 BCE.
The tomb is one of several ancient structures found in the area, which was once a major center of Mycenaean civilization. It features a unique beehive-shaped dome that is constructed using corbelled masonry techniques. The tomb is accessed through a long entrance passage that leads to the central chamber where the burials were placed.
The tomb was first excavated by Greek archaeologist Christos Tsountas in 1893. It was named the “Tholos Tomb of the Genii” due to the fresco paintings found inside depicting two winged genii, or guardian spirits. The paintings are executed in a style typical of the Mycenaean period, with bold outline and vibrant colors.
Inside the tomb, a number of artifacts and remains were found, including pottery vessels, weapons, jewelry, and human bones. These findings provide insight into the burial practices and material culture of the Mycenaean people.
The construction and design of the Tholos Tomb of the Genii exemplify the advanced architectural and engineering skills of the Mycenaeans. The use of corbelled masonry allowed them to create impressive structures with large interior spaces. The tomb is considered one of the finest examples of Mycenaean tholos tombs and serves as a testament to the wealth and sophistication of Mycenaean society.
Archeological Museum of Mycenae (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Μυκηνών)
Archeological Museum of Mycenae was first opened in 1952. It was established to house and preserve the numerous artifacts unearthed during excavations at the ancient site of Mycenae.
Mycenae was a prosperous ancient city in the Late Bronze Age, dating back to around 1600 to 1100 BCE. It was the centre
Archaeological site of Mycenae (Αρχαιολογικού Χώρου Μυκηνών)
Archaeological site of Mycenae was one of the major centers of the Mycenaean civilization, which flourished from around 1600 to 1100 BCE.
Mycenae was a powerful and wealthy city-state during the Late Bronze Age. The earliest evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the Neolithic period, around 4000 BCE. However, it was during the Late Bronze Age that Mycenae reached its peak.
According to Greek mythology, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, a legendary hero who slayed the monster Medusa. The city became famous and powerful under the reign of King Agamemnon, who was one of the key figures in the Trojan War.
The archaeological site of Mycenae was first excavated in the late 19th century by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who also excavated the site of Troy. Schliemann’s excavations revealed several important structures and artifacts, including the Lion Gate, which is the main entrance to the ancient city.
The Lion Gate is known for its impressive relief sculpture of two lions standing upright and flanking a column, with a decorative arch above them. This gate is considered one of the most iconic symbols of Mycenaean civilization.
Other notable structures at Mycenae include the Citadel, which was the fortified central area of the city, and the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon. The Treasury of Atreus is an impressive tholos tomb with a large stone dome and a richly decorated entrance.
The archaeological site also includes numerous other tombs, houses, and administrative buildings that give insight into the daily life and organization of Mycenae.
Mycenae declined around 1100 BCE, likely due to a combination of factors such as foreign invasions, natural disasters, and a decline in trade. The city was eventually abandoned and forgotten, until its rediscovery in the 19th century.
Palace of Mycenae (Ανάκτορο των Μυκηνών)
The Palace of Mycenae was the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation, which was one of the earliest civilisations in ancient Greece.
The history of the Palace of Mycenae dates back to the Late Bronze Age, around 1600-1200 BCE. The Mycenaeans were a group of Indo-European people who settled in the region and built a prosperous civilisation. The palace was constructed during this time as a fortified stronghold and administrative centre.
The palace complex was designed with impressive Cyclopean walls made of large stones, which gave it a sense of grandeur and strength. The main entrance to the palace was through the famous Lion Gate, which featured two stone lions carved into the relief above the entranceway.
Inside the palace, there were multiple rooms and courtyards, including a central megaron or throne room where the ruling king conducted official business. The architecture and design of the palace showcased the Mycenaean’s advanced engineering skills and artistic flair.
During its peak, Mycenae was a thriving city-state and a major center of power and trade in the region. The Mycenaeans were skilled warriors and controlled a vast empire that stretched across the Aegean Sea. They engaged in extensive trade with other civilisations, such as Egypt and Anatolia.
However, around 1200 BCE, the Mycenaean civilisation started to decline. Various theories suggest that this decline may have been due to internal conflicts, invasion by foreign peoples, or natural disasters. The exact cause remains uncertain.
By around 1100 BCE, Mycenae was abandoned and fell into ruin. Over time, it was covered by layers of earth and forgotten until its rediscovery in the 19th century by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. He excavated the site and uncovered many artifacts, including gold funerary masks and intricate pottery. Today, the Palace of Mycenae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Subterranean Cistern of Mycenae (Υπόγεια Δεξαμενή Μυκηνών)
The Subterranean Cistern of Mycenae is an ancient underground water storage system in Mycenae. It was built during the Late Bronze Age, around the 14th century BCE, and is believed to have been used to collect and store water for the city’s inhabitants during times of drought or siege.
The cistern is located near the Lion Gate entrance, one of the main entry points to the fortified citadel of Mycenae. It consists of a large rectangular chamber cut into the bedrock, measuring about 18 meters long, 5 meters wide, and approximately 13 meters deep. The top of the cistern is covered with large stone slabs, forming a roof that protects the water from external contamination.
The construction of the cistern is a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. The chamber was carefully carved out of the solid bedrock using tools made of bronze or stone. The walls were smoothly finished and fitted together without the use of mortar or other binding materials. The presence of small niches and ledges along the walls suggests that wooden planks or beams may have been used to create a platform for workers during construction.
The cistern was most likely fed by rainwater collected from rooftops and channeled into the chamber through a network of underground pipes or channels. The water would then be accessed through steps carved into one side of the chamber. It is estimated that the cistern could hold up to 414 cubic meters (92,000 gallons) of water, providing a reliable source during times of need.
“Treasury of Atreus” or “Tomb of Agamemnon” (Θησαυρός του Ατρέα ή Τάφος του Αγαμέμνονα)
The Tomb of Agamemnon is also known as the Treasury of Atreus and was believed to be the burial place of the legendary King Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War as depicted in Homer’s Iliad.
The construction of the tomb is estimated to have taken place around 1250 BCE during the late Bronze Age. It is one of the best-preserved structures from that period and is famous for its unique architectural style. The tomb is a tholos, which means it has a beehive-like shape with a circular chamber and a high domed roof. This design was popular during ancient times and was often used for burial structures of important individuals.
The entrance to the tomb is through a long passageway called a dromos, leading to the main chamber. The entrance was once adorned with an imposing stone facade, but it has deteriorated over time. Inside the main chamber, there was a stone-lined pit where the bodies of the deceased were placed along with their personal possessions and other burial offerings.
The discovery of the Tomb of Agamemnon and other similar tombs in Mycenae revolutionized our understanding of ancient Greek civilization. The objects found in these tombs, such as precious jewelry, weapons, pottery, and gold funerary masks, provided valuable insights into the culture, art, and burial practices of the Mycenaean civilization.
However, while originally believed to be the tomb of Agamemnon due to its grandeur and importance, modern archaeological research suggests that it may have actually belonged to another ruler or noble. Nevertheless, the association with Agamemnon and its significance in ancient Greek mythology have made the Tomb of Agamemnon an iconic symbol of Mycenae and an important archaeological site in Greece.
Grave circle A (Ταφικός Κύκλος Α΄)
Grave Circle A is a circular burial ground that dates back to the Late Bronze Age, around 1600 to 1500 BCE.
The circle was discovered by the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 during his excavations at Mycenae. It is believed to have been the exlusively burial ground for the royals and important figures of the Mycenaean civilisation.
Grave Circle A consists of six shaft graves, which were large pits dug into the ground. These graves were lined with stone slabs and covered with a mound of earth. The graves were richly furnished with a variety of burial goods, including gold jewelry, weapons, pottery, and other luxury items.
The most significant discovery in Grave Circle A was the Tomb of Agamemnon, named after the legendary king of Mycenae who led the Greeks in the Trojan War, as depicted in Homer’s Iliad. The tomb contained a wealth of gold artifacts, including the famous ‘Mask of Agamemnon’, a gold death mask that is now one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Greece.
The excavation of Grave Circle A revealed the wealth and power of the ruling elite of Mycenae. The lavish burial goods suggest a highly stratified society with a strong warrior class and close connections to the eastern Mediterranean civilisations.
Grave Circle A provides crucial insights into the culture, art, and burial practices of the Mycenaean civilisation. It offers evidence of their advanced metalworking skills, artistic achievements, and intricate burial rituals. The discoveries made in Grave Circle A have greatly contributed to our understanding of the Mycenaeans and their place in the Bronze Age Aegean world.
