MYCENAE| MAINLAND GREECE | PELOPONNESE
MYCENAE | ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
It was the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann who in 1876 brought to light the greatest centre of the Achaeans.
MYCENAE HISTORY
It was the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann who in 1876 brought to light the greatest centre of the Achaeans: the Acropolis of Mycenae. The city which was built by the mythical Perseus, and ruled by kings such as Atreus and Agamemnon developed a vigorous civilization from 1600 BC,reached its peak of glory in 1400 BC and began to decline following the appearance of the Dorian tribes, finally to be destroyed by the Argives (468 BC). “Mycenae, rich in gold” as Homer described the city, thanks to its communication with Minoan Crete, was able to extend its sphere of influence throughout the entire Peloponnese (14th-11th c. BC) as well as northernGreece, reaching Asia Minor and Sicily. The kings of Mycenae, as evidenced by archaeological finds, were known even to the Assyrians, Hittites and Pharaohs of Egypt.
Best things to do and see in Mycenae
OUTSIDE THE ACROPOLIS OF MYCENAE
Treasury of Atreus or tomb of Agamemnon: The impressive beehive tomb-monument, of the same date as the Lion Gate, is the best constructed and the most recently discovered.
It is the only one of the 9 tombs with a second room at the side where previous burials were transferred. The inner monolith lintel of the entrance weighs 120 tons! There is no doubt that this was the tomb of a dynasty.
Grave circle B: 14 royal shaft graves. Significant gold funeral gifts were found.
Tomb of Clytemnestra.
Tomb of Aegisthus.
Tomb of the Lions.
THE ACROPOLIS OF MYCENAE
Gate of the Lions: The gateway to the acropolis.
An imposing portal of the 13th c. BC with the most ancient sculptured monument, atop the mighty cyclopean walls of Mycenae.
Grave circle A: A group of 6 royal graves. Important finds were made here, such as gold masks, swords and gold jewellery.
Palace: Built at the top of the acropolis, it consists of a central courtyard, to the south of which is the great staircase, and to the east, the megaron itself. This consists of the anteroom (propylon), the entrance leading to a long narrow room, the antechamber, and the chamber, the largest and most formal room, decorated with fine frescoes and with a large hearth in its centre.
Cistern (Persia Krini): An extraordinary technical achievement. An underground passage leads to the cistern within the wall, at a depth of 18 m. Water was supplied by clay pipes from a spring 400 m away from the acropolis.
The majority of the finds excavated can be seen at the Athens National Archaeological Museum.
MYCENAE TIPS & INFORMATION
HOW TO GET TO MYCeNAE
By car in 2 1/2hrs from Athens.
By intercity bus (KTEL), from Kifissou Station, Athens, Tel. 0030 2105124913
0030 2105124911.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Definitely by your own transport or with an organized tour.
BEST SEASON TO VISIT MYCENAE
All year round.
