What is Mycenae and where is it located?

Mycenae is an archaeological site situated in Argolis, in the northeastern Peloponnese region of Greece. It is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Athens and is built on a hill that rises 274 meters (899 feet) above sea level, about 19 kilometers (12 miles) inland from the Saronic Gulf.

What was the significance of Mycenae during the second millennium BC?

During the second millennium BC, Mycenae was a pivotal center of Greek civilization. It served as a major military stronghold that exerted influence over much of southern Greece, Crete, the Cyclades islands, and parts of southwestern Anatolia.

What historical period is named after Mycenae?

The period of Greek history spanning from approximately 1600 BC to 1100 BC is referred to as the Mycenaean period, named in reference to the significant city of Mycenae.

What was the estimated population and area of Mycenae at its peak?

At its zenith around 1350 BC, Mycenae, including its citadel and lower town, is estimated to have had a population of 30,000 people and covered an area of 32 hectares (79 acres).

When was Mycenae first accurately identified in modern times, and how?

Mycenae was first correctly identified in modern literature in 1700 by Francesco Vandeyk, a Venetian engineer. He used the description of the Lion Gate provided by the ancient Greek geographer Pausanias to locate the ruins.

What recognition did the archaeological site of Mycenae receive in 1999?

In 1999, the archaeological site of Mycenae, along with the nearby site of Tiryns, was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. This designation acknowledges their historical importance as centers of the Mycenaean civilization and their outstanding architecture.

What architectural features are considered noteworthy at Mycenae and Tiryns?

Notable architectural examples found at Mycenae and Tiryns include the iconic Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus, and the massive walls of both sites. These structures are significant for their construction techniques and artistic expression.

How did Mycenaean civilization influence later Greek culture?

The Mycenaean civilization significantly influenced the development of Greek architecture and urban planning. The artistic achievements and technological advancements of the Mycenaeans also left a lasting impact on subsequent European cultures.

What is the origin of the name Mycenae?

The name Mycenae is believed to be of pre-Greek origin, meaning it was likely inherited by later Greek speakers from an earlier language spoken in the region. Legends connect the name to the Greek word 'mykēs' (mushroom) or to mythological figures like Perseus or the nymph Mycene.

What was the strategic advantage of Mycenae's location?

Mycenae was strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the Argive plain, allowing it to command routes to the Isthmus of Corinth. This location, combined with fertile farmland and a reliable water supply, made it an ideal center of power.

What evidence exists for Neolithic settlement at Mycenae?

While faint traces exist, the earliest ceramic evidence found at Mycenae, known as EN Rainbow Ware, indicates settlement during the Early Neolithic period (circa 5000–4000 BC). The site also shows evidence of continuous occupation through the Early and Middle Helladic periods.

What was the nature of Cretan influence at Mycenae around 1600 BC?

From approximately 1600 BC, Mycenae experienced significant Cretan influence, particularly evident in the artifacts found in the shaft graves. This influence suggests strong cultural and possibly political connections with the Minoan civilization of Crete.

Who discovered the shaft graves at Mycenae, and what are the two main grave circles?

The shaft graves at Mycenae were discovered by Heinrich Schliemann. The two main grave circles are Grave Circle A, discovered by Schliemann, and Grave Circle B, found later. Although Circle B was discovered later, its graves are earlier, dating from around 1650 BC.

How do Grave Circle A and Grave Circle B differ in terms of dating and wealth?

Grave Circle B is earlier, dating from approximately 1650 BC to 1550 BC, while Grave Circle A dates to the 16th century BC. The grave goods found in Circle A were generally more costly and elaborate than those found in Circle B.

What significant artifacts were unearthed from Grave Circle A?

Grave Circle A yielded rich grave goods, including engraved and inlaid swords and daggers, spear points, arrowheads, and famous art objects such as the Silver Siege Rhyton, the Mask of Agamemnon, and the Cup of Nestor. These findings suggest the burial of warrior chieftains and their families.

What period is known as the Mycenaean Age, and when did Minoan hegemony end?

The Mycenaean Age is the period from approximately 1400 BC to 1200 BC, encompassing the LHIIIA and LHIIIB phases. Minoan hegemony over the Aegean is considered to have ended around 1450 BC.

What architectural style is associated with the Mycenaean fortifications rebuilt around 1350 BC?

The fortifications on the acropolis and surrounding hills of Mycenae were rebuilt around 1350 BC using a style known as Cyclopean masonry. This name derives from the belief that the massive stone blocks used were too large for humans to move and must have been the work of the mythical Cyclopes.

Describe the typical layout of a Mycenaean palace megaron.

Mycenaean palaces commonly featured a megaron, or throne room, characterized by a raised central hearth. This hearth was surrounded by four columns supporting the roof, with an opening for ventilation. A throne was typically placed against a wall opposite the entrance, offering a clear view of the ruler.

What evidence connects Mycenae to ancient Egypt?

A scarab belonging to Queen Tiye of Egypt, wife of Amenhotep III, was found in the Room of the Idols within the Mycenaean citadel. This discovery, along with inscriptions from Egypt mentioning 'Mukana', suggests diplomatic or trade relations between Mycenae and Egypt during the Late Bronze Age.

What were the proposed causes for the Bronze Age Collapse that affected Mycenae?

Mycenae was destroyed around 1200 BC as part of the broader Bronze Age Collapse. The exact causes remain unknown, but proposed explanations include invasions by external enemies, internal societal conflicts, and natural disasters such as earthquakes.

What happened to Mycenae after the initial destruction during the Bronze Age Collapse?

Unlike many other sites destroyed during the collapse, Mycenae was partially rebuilt. However, it lost its status as a centralized, literate bureaucracy. The site experienced further destruction before remaining sparsely populated until the Hellenistic era.

What fate befell Mycenae in 468 BC?

In 468 BC, troops from Argos captured Mycenae, expelled its inhabitants, and demolished its fortifications. This event marked a significant decline for the ancient city during the classical period.

How did Mycenae function as a tourist attraction in later periods?

During the Roman period, the ruins of Mycenae became a destination for travelers. The ancient writer Pausanias visited the site in the second century AD and described the still-visible fortifications and the Lion Gate, indicating its status as a historical landmark.

What title is associated with the rulers of Mycenaean states based on Linear B inscriptions?

Based on Linear B inscriptions found at Knossos and Pylos, the supreme ruler of Mycenaean states was identified by the title 'wanax', which translates to leader or king. The Homeric poems use the related term 'anax', often translated as 'lord'.

What does the term 'ra-wa-ke-ta' likely refer to in Mycenaean society?

The term 'ra-wa-ke-ta' is believed to refer to important landowners, possibly holding the position of a military leader or a prince within the kingdom. Literally translated as 'leader of the people', its exact function is not definitively confirmed by inscriptions.

How is the social hierarchy of Mycenae described based on archaeological evidence?

Archaeological evidence suggests Mycenae had a monarchical social hierarchy, clearly stratified by class. The king (wanax) was at the top, residing in palaces, followed by officials like the lawagetas and telestas, then various craftsmen, laborers, and at the bottom, slaves. Women generally held less prominent roles.

What was the traditional view versus a more recent challenge regarding Mycenae's political structure?

The traditional view held that Mycenae and other palatial centers were independent city-states, not part of an empire. However, recent scholarship suggests a more integrated system, possibly a wider kingdom or confederacy, with Mycenae potentially ruling over a significant territory including nearby centers like Tiryns.

What is known about Mycenaean religion and its connection to later Greek religion?

Much of Mycenaean religion appears to have survived into classical Greece, influencing the pantheon of Greek deities. While the exact extent of this influence is debated, scholars like Martin P. Nilsson suggest Mycenaean religion was foundational to later Greek religious practices.

Which deities found in Mycenaean Linear B inscriptions are also known in classical Greece?

Several deities mentioned in Mycenaean Linear B inscriptions can be identified later in classical Greece. These include Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, Hermes, Eileithyia, and Dionysos, although the primary evidence for their cults at this early stage is etymological.

What does the term 'Potnia Theron' likely represent in Mycenaean religion?

'Potnia Theron', meaning 'Mistress of the Animals', is a figure likely identified with the Minoan goddess Britomartis/Dictynna, who later became associated with Artemis. This deity represented powers of nature and wildlife.

What is the significance of Poseidon in Mycenaean religion?

Poseidon was revered as the lord of the sea, storms, and earthquakes. In Mycenaean times, he may have functioned as a pre-Hellenic chthonic deity, possibly linked to the Earth goddess, as suggested by his epithet 'Earth shaker' in Linear B tablets.

What shift in religious thought is suggested after the collapse of Mycenaean palaces?

Following the collapse of the Mycenaean palaces, there appears to have been a gradual shift in Greek thought. The idea of individuals being solely servants to the gods lessened, and a search for a 'moral purpose' in life began, although this concept was less prominent in the earlier Homeric poems.

Who is credited in Greek mythology as the founder of Mycenae and the Perseid dynasty?

According to classical Greek myths, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, the grandson of King Acrisius of Argos. Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë, established the Perseid dynasty after an accidental killing prevented him from inheriting his grandfather's throne.

Who were the key figures in the Atreid dynasty associated with Mycenae?

The Atreid dynasty, which succeeded the Perseids, included Atreus, his sons Agamemnon and Menelaus, and Agamemnon's son Orestes. This dynasty is central to many Greek myths, including the Trojan War and its aftermath.

What role did Agamemnon play in Greek mythology related to Mycenae?

Agamemnon, son of Atreus, was the legendary king of Mycenae and the commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. His return from Troy and subsequent murder by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus are major themes in Greek mythology.

What is the mythological account of the end of the Atreid dynasty?

The Atreid dynasty ended with Tisamenus, son of Orestes. He was killed by the returning Heracleidae, who claimed ancestral rights to the Peloponnese, leading to the division of territories and the conclusion of the Mycenaean Kingdom's rule.

When did Heinrich Schliemann conduct his excavations at Mycenae, and what was his primary goal?

Heinrich Schliemann conducted his excavations at Mycenae starting in 1876. His main objective was to find the tomb of Agamemnon, the legendary king of Mycenae and leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War, as described in Homer's epics.

What controversy surrounds Schliemann's discovery of the 'Mask of Agamemnon'?

Schliemann unearthed a gold death mask which he labeled 'The Mask of Agamemnon'. However, modern archaeological dating indicates the mask predates the traditional time of the Trojan War by over 300 years, making it unlikely to have belonged to Agamemnon himself. There are also broader controversies regarding Schliemann's excavation methods and the authenticity of some of his finds.

Who conducted significant archaeological work at Mycenae after Schliemann?

Following Schliemann's excavations, more systematic archaeological work was carried out by Christos Tsountas, who excavated much of the citadel from 1884 to 1902. Later, the British School at Athens, under Alan Wace, conducted extensive excavations from 1920 to 1955, followed by Lord William Taylour and George Mylonas.

What is the significance of the Lion Gate at Mycenae?

The Lion Gate is Mycenae's most famous feature and served as the main entrance to the citadel. Constructed with a 'Relieving Triangle' to support the massive lintel, it features a relief of two lions or lionesses flanking a central column, the exact meaning of which is still debated by scholars.

What are tholos tombs, and which are the most famous examples at Mycenae?

Tholos tombs, also known as beehive tombs, are monumental circular burial structures. At Mycenae, the most famous examples include the Treasury of Atreus, the Tomb of Clytemnestra, and the Tomb of Aegisthus, which are among the largest and most impressive tholoi found.

What is the 'Cyclopean masonry' found at Mycenae?

Cyclopean masonry refers to the construction technique used for Mycenae's fortifications, characterized by the use of massive, roughly shaped stone blocks. These stones were so large that ancient Greeks believed only the mythical Cyclopes could have moved them.

What role did Linear B tablets play in understanding Mycenaean civilization?

Linear B tablets, found at Mycenae and other sites, provide the earliest written examples of the Greek language. These clay tablets offer valuable insights into the administrative, economic, and social structures of the Mycenaean civilization.

What legal framework protects the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns?

The preservation and protection of Mycenae and Tiryns are governed by the Greek Antiquities Law No 3028/2002, concerning the 'Conservation of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in General'. Specific ministerial decrees have also been issued to safeguard the sites and their surroundings.

How did the site of Mycenae fare during the Hellenistic and Roman periods?

During the Hellenistic period, Mycenae saw a brief revival with the construction of a theatre. By the Roman period, its ruins were considered a tourist attraction, visited by travelers like Pausanias who documented the still-visible fortifications and the Lion Gate.

What is the significance of the 'Mask of Agamemnon' in relation to Mycenae?

The 'Mask of Agamemnon' is a gold death mask discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in Grave Circle A at Mycenae. Although he believed it belonged to the legendary King Agamemnon, modern dating places the mask several centuries before the likely period of the Trojan War.

What does the name 'Mycenae' suggest about its linguistic origins?

The name 'Mycenae' is thought not to be of Greek origin but rather a pre-Greek place name inherited by later Greek speakers. This indicates that the area was settled by people speaking a different language before the arrival of the Mycenaeans.

Mycenae Wiki: Mycenae: Citadel of Legends and Bronze Age Power

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Overview

Location and Significance

Mycenae is a significant archaeological site located in Argolis, northeastern Peloponnese, Greece. Situated approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Athens, it commanded a strategic position overlooking the Argive plain. During the second millennium BC, Mycenae emerged as a paramount center of Greek civilization, exerting influence over much of southern Greece, Crete, the Cyclades, and parts of Anatolia. The era from roughly 1600 BC to 1100 BC is known as the Mycenaean Age, named in honor of this influential citadel.

UNESCO World Heritage

Recognizing its profound historical importance as the nucleus of the Mycenaean civilization, its remarkable architecture, and its testament to the development of Ancient Greek civilization, the archaeological site of Mycenae was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. It was designated alongside the nearby site of Tiryns, highlighting their collective contribution to early European culture.

Naming and Origins

The name "Mycenae" is believed to predate the Greek language, possibly originating from a pre-Greek substrate. Legends connect the name to Perseus, its mythical founder, who supposedly named it after a mushroom or a nymph. Homer referred to the city as Mykēnē. The site was continuously occupied from the Early Neolithic period through the Late Bronze Age, with significant development occurring from approximately 1600 BC onwards.

Historical Trajectory

Neolithic and Early Bronze Age

Evidence suggests continuous occupation from the Early Neolithic period (c. 5000–4000 BC). The site saw considerable population growth during the Middle Helladic period (c. 2000–1550 BC). A significant shift occurred around 1600 BC with the emergence of Minoan influence, particularly evident in the shaft graves discovered by Heinrich Schliemann. These graves, classified as Grave Circle A and the earlier Grave Circle B, yielded rich grave goods, indicating the presence of elite burials and the nascent stages of Mycenaean power.

Late Bronze Age Ascendancy

Mycenae rose to prominence during the Late Helladic I period (c. 1550–1450 BC), becoming a dominant force in the Aegean. The period from c. 1400 BC to c. 1200 BC is recognized as the Mycenaean Age, marked by the construction of monumental Cyclopean fortifications, palaces, and tholos tombs. At its zenith around 1350 BC, Mycenae boasted a population of 30,000 and covered 32 hectares, solidifying its status as a major military and cultural stronghold.

Decline and Collapse

Around 1200 BC, Mycenae, like many other Aegean centers, suffered destruction as part of the Late Bronze Age collapse. The precise causes remain debated, with theories including invasions, internal strife, or natural disasters. While the site experienced partial rebuilding and continued habitation, it never regained its former centralized power. Subsequent destructions led to its eventual abandonment, with only sparse occupation during the Hellenistic period.

Political Organization

The Wanax and Hierarchy

Mycenaean states, including Mycenae, were likely monarchies ruled by a king, identified in Linear B inscriptions as the wanax. This title, possibly indicating divine or semi-divine status, suggests a supreme authority. Below the wanax, a complex hierarchy existed, including officials like the lawagetas (potentially a military leader or prince), telestai (landholders or officials), and ekwetai (companions or nobles). The existence of a large, organized territory governed by Mycenae suggests a centralized kingdom, possibly with vassal states.

Territorial Administration

The kingdom appears to have been subdivided into administrative districts, possibly governed by officials termed koreter and prokoreter. Communal land was managed by the damo (people or plot holders), suggesting a degree of communal organization alongside royal authority. The social structure was stratified, with slaves occupying the lowest rung. While the exact nature of power distribution is debated, evidence points to a sophisticated administrative system centered around the palace.

Religious Beliefs

Pantheon and Syncretism

Mycenaean religion was polytheistic and syncretistic, incorporating deities from both indigenous traditions and foreign influences, particularly Minoan. Many deities found in Linear B tablets, such as Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Athena, later became prominent in classical Greek religion. The exact nature of Mycenaean cults is inferred from textual evidence and archaeological finds, suggesting a complex system of worship that laid foundations for later Greek religious practices.

Nature and Ancestor Worship

Beliefs likely included the veneration of nature spirits and deities associated with fertility, animals, and the underworld. The "Mistress of the Animals" (Potnia Theron), later identified with Artemis, and Poseidon, associated with horses and the sea, are examples of deities with possible pre-Greek or nature-based origins. The cult of heroes, honoring great figures of the past, also appears to have originated during the Mycenaean era.

Mythology and Legends

The Perseid Dynasty

According to myth, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë. He established the Perseid dynasty, which ruled for several generations. Notable figures include Electryon, Sthenelus, and Eurystheus, the latter famously known for his persecution of Heracles and his descendants. The dynasty ended with Eurystheus's death in conflict with Athens.

The Atreid Dynasty and Trojan War

The throne then passed to Atreus, founder of the Atreid dynasty. His sons, Agamemnon and Menelaus, are central figures in the Trojan War. Agamemnon, as the commander of the Greek forces, returned to Mycenae only to be murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. This tragic cycle of vengeance continued with the reign of Aegisthus and his eventual overthrow by Orestes, Agamemnon's son, marking the end of the Atreid rule and the legendary era of Mycenaean kings.

Excavations and Discovery

Early Identification

The correct identification of Mycenae in modern times dates to 1700, when Venetian engineer Francesco Vandeyk, guided by Pausanias's descriptions, located the Lion Gate. Early visitors like Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, explored tombs and attempted to remove artifacts, highlighting the site's growing recognition as a significant historical ruin.

Schliemann's Landmark Work

Heinrich Schliemann conducted pivotal excavations at Mycenae between 1874 and 1876. Driven by his belief in the historical accuracy of Homer, he unearthed Grave Circle A, a royal cemetery containing six shaft graves. His discovery of a gold death mask, which he famously labeled "The Mask of Agamemnon," brought immense attention to Mycenae, though modern dating places the mask centuries before the legendary Trojan War.

Modern Archaeological Efforts

Since Schliemann's time, systematic excavations have continued, led by Greek archaeologists and institutions like the British School at Athens. Christos Tsountas, Alan Wace, and George Mylonas made significant contributions, uncovering further structures and artifacts, including Grave Circle B. Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of Mycenaean society, its administration, and its eventual decline.

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References

Pausanias. Description of Greece, 2.16.3

Velikovsky 1999, Edwin M. Schorr, "Applying the Revised Chronology: Later Use of Grave Circles".

Drake 2012, pp. 1862â1870; Kaniewski et al. 2010, pp. 207â215.

Nur 2008, Chapter 8: Earthquake Storms and the Catastrophic End of the Bronze Age, pp. 224â245.

French 2002, p. 142: "The dedications continue at the Shrine by the Bridge into the fifth century, probably beyond the disablement of the walls by the Argives in 468 BC."

Chadwick 1976, pp. 71â72.

Chadwick 1976, Chapter 5: Social Structure and Administrative System, pp. 69â83.

Page 1976, "IV: The Homeric Description of Mycenaean Greece", pp. 118â177 (see especially pp. 122â123).

Hornblower, Spawforth & Eidinow 2012, "Artemis", pp. 175â176.

Nilsson 1967, Volume I, p. 368: "Moira is not a god, because otherwise the will of the god would be predestinated. Compare Kismet in Muslim religion."

Aeschylus. Prometheus Bound, Lines 515â518.

Helbig 1884, p. 53; Wunderlich 1974, p. 221.

Hesiod. Theogony, Lines 535â544.

Moore, Rowlands & Karadimas 2014, pp. 3â4.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mycenae Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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Mycenae: Citadel of Legends and Bronze Age Power

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🏛️

📍 Location and Significance

🌍 UNESCO World Heritage

📜 Naming and Origins

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🌱 Neolithic and Early Bronze Age

👑 Late Bronze Age Ascendancy

💥 Decline and Collapse

Political Organization ⚖️

👑 The Wanax and Hierarchy

🗺️ Territorial Administration

Religious Beliefs ✨

🙏 Pantheon and Syncretism

🌿 Nature and Ancestor Worship

Mythology and Legends ⚔️

🛡️ The Perseid Dynasty

🩸 The Atreid Dynasty and Trojan War

Excavations and Discovery ⛏️

🔍 Early Identification

🏺 Schliemann's Landmark Work

📊 Modern Archaeological Efforts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location and Significance

UNESCO World Heritage

Naming and Origins

Historical Trajectory

Neolithic and Early Bronze Age

Late Bronze Age Ascendancy

Decline and Collapse

Political Organization

The Wanax and Hierarchy

Territorial Administration

Religious Beliefs

Pantheon and Syncretism

Nature and Ancestor Worship

Mythology and Legends

The Perseid Dynasty

The Atreid Dynasty and Trojan War

Excavations and Discovery

Early Identification

Schliemann's Landmark Work

Modern Archaeological Efforts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice