Mycenae

Mycenae, or Mykênai, was an Indo-European city-state ofAchaeansancient Greece's northeastern Peloponnesus.

Around 1550 BC, Mycenae camedominaterestGreece; this periodcalledMycenaean civilization, which was dominated bywarrior aristocracy. Around 1400 BC,Mycenaeans conqueredMinoans, adopting their syllabary (now called Linear A)write their own language (Greek,new syllabary known as Linear B).

Mycenae thrived inperiod that scholars believe corresponds toeventsHomer's Iliad. Some believe that Mycenae washomeKing Agamemnon.

Around 1100 BC, itthought thatDorians attacked Greece fromnorth whileSea People attacked fromsea. Numerous cities were sacked andregion entereddark age. During this periodMycenaeans adopted iron, insteadbronze; adopted cremation;suffered from decreasing populationliteracy rates.

Around 800 BC,dark age endedbeginningGreek civilization.

DeathBurial

Mycenae ishome"beehive tombs," whichlarge circular burial vaults found inhills. The Mycenaeans often buried daggers, or some formmilitary equipment, withdeceased. The nobility was frequently buriedgold, masks, tiaras, armor,jeweled weaponry.

Mycenaeans were buried insitting positionsome ofnobility underwent mummification.

Religion

The Mycenean religion was very similarthat ofMinoans. The Minoan "Earthshaker", became known as Zeus. The Goddess became known as Athena, Hera, Rhea, Demeter,Artemis. Minoan symbolsfound throughout Myceneaincludebulls, bullhorns, pillars, doves,snakes.

Technology

Mycenaean strongholds were located on hilltopsprotected by towered wallss, as thick as 6m.

Major worksartarchitecture:

• Beehive tombs
• Vaffio cups
• Corbelled arches
• Cyclopean walls
• The "Lion Gate"