Mycenae

 

Mycenae

Mycenae is the largest and most important center of the civilization that was named “Mycenaean” after this very citadel. Mycenaean is the culture that dominated mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and the shores of Asia Minor during the late Bronze Age era (circa 1600-1100 BCE).

 

At the start of the site tour is a beehive tomb, so called because of the structure.

In Mycenae, only the lower structure remains:

To help with our understanding, Denise plays the role of the dead soldier. Meanwhile, bless her heart, Viv tries talking to a brick wall. Onwards and upwards to the Citadel.

As a powerful centre, the citadel protecting the area is on the top of the hill.

Even though it is another hot Grecian day, a cool day makes the expedition bearable.

Access to the citadel is through the heavily fortified Lion Gate.

Inside the fortified area, is a Grave circle, where the dead were worshiped and remembered with the stone markers as well.

While some of the floors of rooms in the citadel are intact, they are too fragile to walk on, and Nia said excavation stops at floor level.

One of the security aspects of the citadel was the existence of water, stored in rain filled cisterns.

As an alternate means of access to the Lion Gate, was the Postern gate at the northern side of the citadel. This provided secure and secret access for the King’s courtiers and concubines.

Not far from the Citadel is an intact Beehive tomb – the Treasury of Atreus.

Note the size of the lintel, it weighs hundreds of tonnes. There are also many huge blocks in the entry path, all carefully carved.

Roof: