Did you know that, long before the famous Parthenon, another incredible civilisation thrived in Greece? Before Athens stole the spotlight, another warrior kingdom was shaping history in unexpected ways. Despite its fame, many people are unaware of its fascinating culture, history and legends. But don’t worry, we’ve uncovered 23 mind-blowing facts about Mycenae just for you. Hold on to your hat because this journey is about to get seriously interesting!
Today, Mycenae stands as one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. This ancient hub of civilisation got its name, Mycenaean, from its towering citadel that once ruled the skyline.
23 Fascinating facts about Mycenae that will amaze you
1. The Bronze Age Brilliance
Let’s rewind the clock to the Bronze Age. From around 1600 to 1100 BC, the Mycenaean civilisation was booming. That’s why historians refer to this period of Greek history as the Mycenaean period. These ancient Greeks weren’t just getting by; they were building gorgeous palaces, creating legends, and making history. The Mycenaeans hit their peak between the 15th and 13th centuries BC. They spread their influence all over, from the Peloponnese in Greece to the faraway lands of Crete and the Cycladic islands.
2. Strategic location
It’s the type of location even Zeus would approve of.
The archaeological site of Mycenae sits about 120 kilometres (75 miles) southwest of Athens. It is roughly 11 kilometres (7 miles) north of Argos and 48 kilometres (30 miles) south of Corinth. Let us tell you a secret about why the Mycenaeans picked this spot for their citadel.
Mycenae’s position on a hill is truly remarkable. Why, you may ask? Imagine sloping rocky hills shielding it from three sides, offering solid protection. From up there, they could see trouble coming from miles away. Plus, they were close to the sea for easy access. Corinth, the only route north, was nearby too, giving them an edge over land. And don’t forget about the fertile fields surrounding them, perfect for farming. They had everything they needed to become a superpower of their time.
3. Influenced by Minoans
Curious what made the Mycenaean Greeks so special? It’s not just that this warrior kingdom had a strong army, and their engineers built impressive roads, fortifications, palaces and large tombs. They were also avid learners, drawing inspiration from distant lands and leaving their mark on art and architecture. One major influence? The Minoans. After conquering Crete around the 15th century BC, the Mycenaeans adopted many aspects of their trade and artistic style. Also, other Mediterranean cultures help to shape their sophisticated society.
4. Mycenean facts: Who founded Mycenae?
First, let’s say something about how this city began, according to old Greek stories. The city’s start is a bit of a mystery, but the legendary tales give us some ideas.
Ever heard of Perseus? He was the brave son of Zeus and a mortal named Danae (a daughter of King Argos). Perseus is famous for doing amazing things like saving Princess Andromeda and defeating the scary Medusa. Legend says that after his adventures, Perseus settled down in the area and built the strong city of Mycenae. His family ruled the city for at least three generations.
But that’s not the only story about how this city got its name. Some say it’s from a beautiful nymph named Mycenae. Others think it’s because of the special shape of Perseus’s swords. Another idea is that it’s connected to a local mushroom called mykes. Perseus supposedly used it like a cup from the site where the spring spontaneously appeared.
5. Lion Gate Mycenae facts
When exploring this archaeological site, don’t overlook the main entrance of this Bronze Age citadel. Why? This principal gate, situated on the northwestern side of the citadel, dates back to the 13th century BC. While its original name is lost to history, scholars commonly refer to it as the Lion Gate. They named it after the sculpted lions (or lionesses) proudly standing above the entrance.
Now, here’s a fascinating part: The Lion Gate is not just any relic; it’s the only surviving piece of Mycenaean sculpture. It’s also the largest surviving sculpture in the historic Aegean. Sadly, the heads of the lions are missing, leaving us to wonder whether they were crafted from stone, metal, or even gold.
Another fun fact:
Did you know that the Lion Gate is the only monument of Bronze Age Greece to bear an iconographic motif that survived without being buried underground?
6. The First family crest
The Lion Gate once featured a double heavy wooden door, secured by a sliding bar. The locals added this famous entrance during the citadel’s second building phase.
Now, let’s explore the significance of the two lions at the Lion Gate in Mycenae. Here’s an interesting detail: these two lions, symmetrically positioned around a Minoan column, are considered to be the world’s first coat of arms. This family crest of the Mycenaeans represented their power. Its placement above the main gate symbolizes the state’s power, making it an impressive architectural feature.
7. Relieving triangle
Impressive stone blocks add sophistication to Lion Gate.
The Mycenaeans didn’t just use any rocks to create the Lion Gate – they chose the best. They built the main entrance with very large stone blocks. Check this out: one massive lintel alone measures 4.5×2×0.8 m (15×7×3 ft) and weighs around 20 tons by itself!
Here’s the cool part: the triangular sculpture serves as the relieving triangle for the door below. It helps to support the gate’s arch and spreads the weight evenly, protecting it from breakage. How awesome is that?
8. Mighty walls
Before you step into the citadel, don’t overlook its massive fortification walls. These aren’t just any walls – the Cyclopean Walls are, in fact, legendary.
So what’s the deal with these walls? They surround the entire palace complex, keeping everyone safe inside. The stones are of unequal size, but all have the same height and are massive. Some blocks are up to eight meters thick and weigh as much as 100 tonnes. Yet, they fit together so perfectly that you can’t even slip a piece of paper between them. Modern experts still wonder how ancient builders managed to move and place these heavy stones.
Mycenae fun facts: Why do we call these walls the Cyclopean?
The Mycenaeans didn’t call them the Cyclopean walls; this name came later. Why, you may ask? These giant stone walls were so impressive that people once believed no human could possibly move them. The legend says that only the Cyclopes, the one-eyed giants from Greek mythology, could have moved such enormous stones.
Why did the Mycenaeans build these gigantic walls? It wasn’t just to keep enemies out. The sheer size of the limestone boulders was meant to scare off invaders, making them think it was impossible to conquer Mycenae. How clever is that?
9. Life inside and outside of the Cyclopean Walls
Ever wondered who lived behind the massive Cyclopean walls? Inside, it was like a fancy gated community for the elite – kings, army, and priests. They had everything, and the thick walls kept them safe. Kings ruled from their beautiful palace, soldiers kept things running smoothly, and priests connected with the gods. But what about outside of the walls? That’s where the regular folks called home. Farmers, artisans, and traders made their living there.
Here’s a fun fact: these hardworking people paid their taxes to the palace not with money, but with their labour. They provided goods and services, grew food, and crafted goods for those inside the citadel. In return, the palace promised protection. If danger ever came, everyone could seek refuge behind the mighty walls. And how do we know all this? Well, archaeological evidence and ancient writings on clay tablets give us a glimpse into life in Mycenae.
10. Helen of Troy
Now, let’s talk about the famous Helen of Troy. What does Helen have to do with Mycenae, you may ask? A lot, actually. According to Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus and the most beautiful woman in the world. She was married to King Menelaus of Sparta, who was the brother of King Agamemnon, ruler of Mycenae. Helen was also the sister of Agamemnon’s wife, Clytemnestra.
Here’s where it gets juicy: The legend says that Paris abducted Helen and took her to Troy. This sparked the Trojan War. The Greeks, led by Agamemnon from Mycenae, went to Troy to bring Helen back for his brother. After a 10-year battle, the Greeks won, and Helen returned to Sparta with her husband. These legendary figures and events associated with Mycenae contribute to its rich historical and mythological tapestry. However, we should understand them as part of the myths rather than historical facts.
the Trojan Horse
11. “What is behind the face that launched a thousand ships?”
Ever heard the phrase “the face that launched a thousand ships”? This famous expression refers to Helen of Troy’s face. According to Greek mythology, her abduction by Paris triggered the Trojan War. To rescue her, King Agamemnon of Mycenae launched a thousand ships, leading to a legendary ten-year battle.
12. Fun facts about cemeteries in Mycenae
Did you know the ancient inhabitants of Mycenae had not one, not two, but three types of cemeteries?
The people of Mycenae didn’t just live grandly; they buried their dead in style too. They took burials very seriously, and each type of grave had its unique charm and story. For the common folk, simple graves involved just digging holes in the ground. The elite had more elaborate burials in, so-called, Grave Circles A and B, where archaeologists like Heinrich Schliemann uncovered rich treasures and royal remains. And then we have the grand Beehive tombs, which are architectural marvels of Mycenaean ingenuity.
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13. German Indiana Jones
Back in the 19th century, Heinrich Schliemann, often dubbed the ‘’German Indiana Jones,’’ was obsessed with proving what Homer described in his epics. He set out to find the legendary city of Troy mentioned in famous stories like the Iliad and Odyssey. And guess what? He did, and also ended up discovering the ancient city of Mycenae, a major centre of power involved in the Trojan War.
Here’s the kicker: Schliemann wasn’t your average archaeologist. He was an amateur, and his methods of excavating were not very advanced by today’s standards. The story goes that in his quest to uncover Mycenae, he even used dynamite to blast through the ruins. Talk about a dramatic entrance and destructive methods of excavations! Despite his controversial techniques, Schliemann’s findings were groundbreaking, revealing a treasure trove of artefacts and insights into ancient Greece.
14. Grave Circle A
Royal Resting Spot
Let us tell you a few fun facts about Grave Circle A. What’s the deal with this place, which you can find on the right side after you enter through Lion Gate? Well, Grave Circle A is a burial complex originally constructed outside the fortification walls. It has a diameter of 27.5 meters (90 feet) and it wasn’t just an ordinary grave complex. The locals used it exclusively for royal burials – the rulers and their families during the 16th century BC.
Reconstruction of Grave Circle A
Why is Grave Circle A so special, you may ask? A German amateur archaeologist, Heinrich Schliemann, excavated 5 out of 6 shaft graves in 1876. He uncovered the remains of nine queens, eight kings and two babies, all covered in gold, with all kinds of offerings. Imagine sets of weapons, golden masks, and shiny jewellery, including gold rings, buttons, and even bracelets. Get this: Grave Circle A contained treasure, which had 15 kg of gold in total.
15. Mysterious Mask
Shiny Mystery: Ever heard of the so-called Mask of Agamemnon? This shiny golden mask, once worn by a powerful king, is one of the coolest finds from Mycenae. This stunning mask boasts incredible details, depicting the face of a bearded man with a captivating expression. Did you know it is one of the most famous artefacts ever discovered? It was designed to cover the face of the deceased, held in place by two holes near the ears.
Legend has it that it belonged to none other than King Agamemnon himself, a prominent figure in the Trojan War during the 13th century BC. When Henry Schliemann stumbled upon this gold funeral mask among other findings at Grave Circle A, he believed he hit the jackpot. Inspired by Homer’s Iliad, Schliemann identified it as the Mask of Agamemnon, thinking it matched the description in the epic poem.
But here’s the twist: it turns out the mask did not belong to him! The carbon dating confirmed the mask is older than the time of Agamemnon. The famous mask dates back to around 1600 BC, and not from 1300 BC, where Agamemnon lived. Oops, talk about an embarrassing mix-up!
16. Grave Circle B
Various ornaments showcase the craftsmanship of ancient Mycenaeans.
Curious about why Grave Circle B is a must-visit in Mycenae? This 17th-16th century BC royal cemetery predates Grave Circle A and sits just beyond the city walls. Don’t miss it – it lies to the right, about 117 metres (384 feet) from the main entrance.
Why visit? Grave Circle B boasts 26 graves enclosed by protective walls. Archaeologists uncovered both male and female remains, accompanied by fascinating personal items. Women were richly dressed and adorned with stunning jewellery, including necklaces or earrings. Meanwhile, men rested with swords, daggers, and gold-trimmed clothing. One particularly striking item was a death mask discovered in a wooden box beside one of the deceased.
Mycenaean fun facts:
Despite the simpler artefacts found in Grave Circle B, they provide valuable insights into Mycenaean beliefs about the afterlife.
17. Linear B
Have you heard about Linear B? This ancient script was the writing system of the Mycenaean civilization, inherited from the Minoans – another Bronze Age society. It isn’t just any old scribbles on clay tablets but the first early written records of the Greek language.
Here’s the fascinating part: Linear B wasn’t your typical alphabet; it’s a script that scholars had to crack like a secret code. It’s like the Mycenaean version of a puzzle game, requiring serious brainpower to decipher. Luckily, we can read it now, and understand how everything was organised. The Mycenaeans used it to write important stuff like catalogues of product items and the goods they were producing. Plus, it gives us insights into their society and their palace state.
Linear B consists of around 87 syllabic signs and over 100 idiographic signs, symbolizing objects and commodities.
18. Palace of Mycenae
Ever wondered what life was like in the royal palace thousands of years ago? Let’s travel back in time and imagine what the palace complex looked like.
The palace complex of Mycenae was the centre of the power, built at the citadel’s highest point. It had different levels and similar architecture to other palaces from that time. It wasn’t just one building; it was more like a royal mini-city. The palace had private living quarters, a large court, areas for administration, storage, and even its very own throne room! Imagine Mycenaean kings walking through decorated rooms with masterworks of art and elegant well-dressed elite women.
One of its coolest features was the Megaron, the large reception room. It was the political, administrative, military, and economic hub of Mycenae. It had an entrance portico, a vestibule, and a large reception hall. Picture a lavishly decorated rectangular hall with vivid frescoes and mosaics, featuring a large circular hearth with four wooden columns. The throne room had a grand chair for kings who reigned from it and expanded their dominance through the ancient world.
Mycenae fun facts: Most of the ruins you can see today date back to the 13th century BC. The ancient Greeks built this palace on uneven ground. The throne room together with the southeastern part of the room, which had collapsed down the hillside, was recently reconstructed.
19. Cistern
An ancient engineering marvel
Did you know the Mycenaeans had a cistern within their complex? They built it in the northeastern corner of the citadel around the same period as the last extension, so it could be included within the walls. Why did they build it, you may ask? To supply water for their inhabitants in a case of siege. This hidden cistern secured the water supply through underground pipes to the palace complex from a natural spring outside the citadel.
You are right to think that the underground cistern and passageways are an impressive achievement of the Mycenaean civilization. The ancient Greeks built a secret passageway through and under the wall, with 99 carved steps leading to the cistern.
Here’s where it gets juicy: The narrow corridor with a small archway descends 18 uneven steps under the northern perimeter wall. From there, another passage descends to a further entrance and leads to a remote underground cistern, 300 metres outside the citadel.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can walk only the first corridor with 18 steps, which leads to the cistern. Even if you use a smartphone with a torch, you won’t see much from the second passageway.
20. The North Gate
When you stroll through the citadel, you’ll find the smaller North Gate on the northwestern side. The Mycenaeans built it around 1250 BC, even before the grand Lion’s Gate got its makeover. While not as wide and lacking a coat of arms, it still showcases the same advanced engineering skills.
Despite its narrower size, the North Gate was heavily fortified and served as a crucial link between different parts of the citadel. Positioned roughly 250 metres (820 feet) from the more modern Gate of Lion, it held strategic importance in both daily life and military operations.
Now, here’s the kicker: the North Gate wasn’t just any old entrance. It was a crucial escape route for the army and a clever way to outmanoeuvre enemies in battle, catching them off guard from behind. The North Gate stands as a remarkable testament to the strategic skills of the ancient Mycenaeans.
21. Mycenae Archaeological Museum
Curious about where you can see the stunning discoveries from Mycenae? Look no further than the Mycenae Archaeological Museum! This museum houses a valuable collection of ancient artefacts that vividly resurrect the world of the Mycenaeans. The museum lies within the archaeological site, near the citadel. It’s conveniently accessible after you explore the ruins.
So, what will you discover? Pottery, jewellery, weapons, and tools paint a vivid picture of everyday life in Mycenaean times. Don’t overlook the gorgeous frescoes and the iconic ‘’Mask of Agamemnon.’’ The museum’s information panels ensure you leave with a deeper understanding of Ancient Greece.
MYCENAE FUN FACTS:
Here’s an important nugget: all the artefacts on display are copies. To see the precious originals, visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
22. Tomb of Agamemnon
There are many beehive tombs, yet the Tomb of Agamemnon stands out as the best-preserved.
Before you leave, don’t miss the Tomb of Agamemnon, also known as the Treasury of Atreus. It’s just a quick 10-minute walk (or 2-minute drive) from the main archaeological site – so, there’s no excuse to miss it. Historians estimate its age to be at least 3,200 years, constructed by the Mycenaeans between 1300 – 1250 BC.
So, why is this giant beehive tomb so special? Don’t be fooled by its name – there’s no gold or honey inside. Instead, it serves as a remarkable example of Mycenaean burial architecture. Though the identity of the person who rested here remains a mystery, such a grand building suggests it was the resting place for royalty or nobility.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ITS MASSIVE DOME:
Now, let’s say a few fascinating facts about this beehive tomb in Mycenae. The Treasury of Atreus isn’t just any tomb; it’s a testament to ancient engineering. Picture a circular burial chamber boasting the largest dome until the Roman period. Even today, it remains one of the world’s largest corbelled domes. Impressive, right?
But wait, there’s more. The tomb was once richly decorated, and its façade had marble columns and sculptures. And its extremely heavy stone dome? They constructed it from precisely cut massive stones, stacked on top of each other. The Mycenaeans had to carefully position them so the structure could withstand its weight for thousands of years.
DID YOU KNOW?
Following a burial, the person buried would be placed inside the structure. After some time, when other royal family members died, they would move the remains of the first person into the rock-cut chamber on a side. While off-limits to visitors today, you can catch a glimpse of this small inner chamber.
Here’s the fascinating part: After the burial, the entire tomb would have been covered with earth. The tomb would blend into the countryside, and you couldn’t tell it was not another hill. Remarkable, isn’t it?
OTHER UNIQUE FEATURES:
- Before entering, pay attention to a long passage leading to the burial chamber. It houses one of one of the largest stones ever found.
- The walls’ height increases dramatically, reaching about 10 metres at the facade.
- Above the entrance, a relieving triangle reduces the stress on the lintel.
- Don’t overlook the massive lintel on top of its doorway – it broke when they tried to put it in place. According to Wikipedia, it’s the heaviest single piece of masonry known from Greek architecture. And get this: it may have required up to 1,000 people to transport it to the tomb. That’s why the ancient people said only the cycles could put massive stone blocks in place.
TIP:
Keep an eye out for old graffiti within the tomb walls during your visit.
23. Mycenaean decline
So, what happened to the Mycenaeans and how did such a powerful civilisation meet its end? The decline started around 1200 BC, and sadly, it remains a mystery. Some researchers believe it might be because of an enemy attack or civil strike. Others think it may have fallen to natural disasters such as earthquakes, drought or volcanic eruptions. Whatever the cause, the once-mighty Mycenaeans eventually faded into history. However, their legacy lived on through their cultural and technological achievements, influencing the later Greeks and shaping the foundations of Western civilisation.
Now you know 23 surprising facts about Mycenae!
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