UNESCO listed Mycenae in northeastern Peloponnese is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Strategically situated on a hill, surrounded by two other bigger hills, Mycenae naturally assumed the role of a powerhouse as it stood guard over the entire area. In ancient times, Mycenae was a heavily fortified citadel, which was mainly involved in military activities.
According to Greek mythology, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, the son of Poseidon, the Olympian God of the Sea. Perseus had ordered the Cyclopes (one-eyed giants) to put up impenetrable walls around the city. This is why the walls have been named as ‘Cyclopean Walls’.
Another story states that Mycenae was the capital city of King Agamemnon, the legendary ruler who led the Greeks against the Trojans in the Trojan War, one of mythology’s most important events. Several pieces of Greek literature narrated this epic war, especially, the Iliad by the distinguished Greek writer, Homer.
The Mycenaean civilization thrived during the Later Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC) and was one of the foremost developed and distinctly Greek civilizations. The civilization extended to parts of Asia Minor, mainland Greece and most of the Aegean islands and developed a strong flavour of authentic Greek culture without any external influences. This period saw several advancements in architecture, engineering, infrastructure, military, literature and art. In those times, Mycenae served as the centre and the leading city which is why the entire civilization came to be known as the Mycenaean civilization.
Mycenae was completely excavated by the German, Heinrich Schliemann, in the 19th century. He carried out the excavations based on information from Homer’s works. He discovered a golden death mask on a skull – one of the remarkable discoveries in archaeology. On finding this, he remarked – “I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon”. However, based on the information available, it was stated that the mask and skull are much older than the supposed period of the Trojan War. So, Agamemnon might just be a mythical figure after all.
The most important surviving structure of Mycenae is the Lion Gate – the grand entrance bearing the sculptures of two lions. It is speculated that this representation might have been the coat of arms of the Royal family. You will pass through the Lion Gate to enter the complex and you can visualise how majestic it must have been during its day if you fill in the missing bricks.
The first structure you see within the complex is Grave Circle A, believed to have been the Royal cemetery, with six grave shafts. One of these shafts had contained the famous gold mask.
After the cemetery, you will come across a small group of buildings which might have been used for religious purposes. Several paintings that were excavated here, are now on display at the museum.
From here, a path will lead you up to Mycenae’s Palace, which can be entered from two guardrooms and a once dramatic archway. Around the Palace, there are smaller rooms which might have been the royal apartments.
Located southeast of the Palace is the heart of the complex, the Megaron, typically the central and largest structure of Mycenaean citadels. Megarons consisted of a porch with tall columns, a large main hall with a hearth in the centre and a throne. The Megaron is surrounded by a cluster of assorted buildings in different sizes and structures, each serving a distinct purpose. It is believed that they functioned as storehouses, workshops, offices, armouries and shrines.
In the northeastern corner, you will find the cistern, which was a remarkable feat of engineering in those times. Steps descend underground and lead you through a tunnel at the end of which there is a pool of water. The pool is watered by a nearby spring and the cistern made sure that there was always enough water available for the citadel.
After this, you will come across the Northern or Postern Gate, which was included during one of the renovations in 1250 BCE.
The other important structures in the complex are the three-storeyed House of Columns, the South House, the granary and the Ramp House.
The Cyclopean Walls that surround the citadel were made of massive limestone boulders and the gaps in between were filled with smaller limestone rocks. This was a typical architectural feature of the Mycenean era.
Just outside the citadel’s walls, you will find Grave Circle B which contained 52 graves. Next to this lie the tholos tombs of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. A tholos tomb, also known as a beehive tomb, was a circular structure with a domed roof and a classical Greek burial site. Next you will find the Treasury of Atreus which is said to be the tomb of Atreus, Agamemnon’s father. It is also believed that a rich golden treasury was buried here and looted centuries ago. While none of this has been verified yet, the structure is impressive – a 40 metre-long passage leads you to the domed tholos.
The museum is located just before the Lion Gate and a visit here will help you comprehend the ruins better. It narrates the long history of Mycenae from its inception until the recent excavation. You will find several artefacts that were excavated from the site on display. Pottery, tools, jewellery, ceramics, weapons, paintings and a copy of the gold mask are exhibited. The original mask sits on display in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. You will also find plenty of information regarding the Mycenaean civilization, its people, culture and history.
Apart from being an important archaeological site, Mycenae was also the seat of a leading civilization in ancient times. Laden with mythology and an extremely long history, Mycenae is an exciting experience for every visitor and a chance to understand how the ancient world must have been.
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