The History of the Mycenaeans
Welcome to a digital journey through the mythical realms and fortified citadels of the Mycenaeans—an ancient civilization that left an indelible mark on the rugged landscapes of Bronze Age Greece. Our website serves as your guide to unraveling the captivating history of the Mycenaeans, a people whose legacy echoes through the stones of mighty palaces and the verses of epic poetry.
Guided by historians, archaeologists, and researchers, our virtual exploration unveils the narrative of the Mycenaeans—from the imposing Lion Gate of Mycenae to the sacred halls of Pylos. Immerse yourself in a curated collection of scholarly insights, historical analyses, and cultural narratives that unveil the grandeur, complexity, and enduring influence of the Mycenaean civilization.
Discover groundbreaking research that delves into the intricacies of their Linear B script, the engineering marvels of their cyclopean walls, and the epic tales that celebrate heroes like Agamemnon and Achilles. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student eager to delve into the past, or someone captivated by the mysteries of ancient civilizations, our digital repository offers a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating history of the Mycenaeans.
Engage with the ongoing dialogue that deepens our understanding of this remarkable civilization, where each golden mask, deciphered tablet, and archaeological discovery contributes to the story of a people whose cultural achievements resonate through the annals of time. Welcome to a space where the scholarship on the history of the Mycenaeans thrives, inviting you to explore, learn, and be captivated by the enduring legacy of this extraordinary Aegean civilization.
The Mycenaeans were an ancient civilisation that flourished in Greece from c. 1700 BC to c. 1100 BC. They were a powerful civilization that dominated the Aegean and their legacy can still be felt in modern Greece today.
They are believed to have originated from the Indo-European tribes that migrated to Greece c. 2000 BC. They settled in the Peloponnese region, which was rich in natural resources such as copper and timber. The Mycenaeans were skilled at metalworking and were able to use these resources to create weapons, tools and artwork.
Their society was divided into classes, with the ruling class being the Mycenaean elite. The elite were responsible for the governance of the society and controlled the military, trade and religious practices. They lived in large fortified palaces, such as the one at Mycenae, that were built on hilltops for protection.
The Mycenaean economy was based on trade, with a trading network that spread from Italy in the West to the Levant in the East. They were known for their pottery, metalwork and textiles, which were traded throughout the Mediterranean region.
The Mycenaeans worshipped many of the deities from Classical Greece but these deities had different attributes and places of honour within Mycenaean society. They worshipped them in house sanctuaries rather than the free-standing temples that would develop later.
They were skilled artisans and their art and architecture were some of the most advanced of their time. They used materials such as bronze, gold and ivory to create intricate jewellery and decorative items. Their pottery was also highly decorated, with scenes of everyday life and mythological figures.
Mycenaean architecture was characterized by large, fortified palaces and citadels, such as the Palace of Nestor in Pylos and the Palace of Tiryns. These structures were built with massive stone blocks and were designed to withstand attacks from enemies.
The Mycenaean civilization began to decline c. 1100 BC, with many of their cities being destroyed and abandoned. The causes of their decline are not entirely clear but it is believed to have been the result of a combination of factors, including natural disasters, invasion by foreign tribes and internal strife.
The Mycenaeans left a lasting legacy on Greek culture and history. Many of their myths and legends, such as the stories of King Agamemnon and the Trojan War, have become an integral part of Greek mythology. Their language, known as Linear B, was an early form of Greek and has helped scholars to understand the evolution of the Greek language.
