Description of the attraction
The Mycenaean (Achaean) civilization (1600-1100 BC) is one of the oldest and most interesting civilizations that have ever existed on the territory of modern Greece. This civilization had an undeniable influence on the subsequent development of ancient Greek culture and occupies a special place in literature and mythology, including in the writings of Homer.
One of the largest and most important centers of the Mycenaean civilization, of course, was the ancient city of Mycenae, from which, in fact, the culture later got its name. It also housed the royal residence, as well as the tombs of the Mycenaean kings and their entourage. In ancient Greek mythology, Mycenae is well known as the kingdom of the famous Agamemnon, who led the legendary Trojan War.
The ruins of the once majestic Mycenae lie about 90 km southwest of Athens in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, next to the small village of the same name, and today they are an important archaeological and historical monument.
History of archaeological excavations
The first excavations of ancient Mycenae were carried out back in 1841 by the Greek archaeologist Kirriakis Pittakis. It was then that the famous Lion Gate was discovered - a monumental entrance to the acropolis, built of four huge monolithic blocks of lime and got its name from the huge bas-relief depicting two lions above the entrance. The Lion Gate, as well as fragments of the impressive fortress walls (their width in some places reached 17 m), erected in the so-called "Cyclopean" masonry, are well preserved and even today, more than three thousand years later, are striking in their monumentality.
The real sensation was made by archaeological work, which began already in the 1870s under the auspices of the Archaeological Society of Athens and the leadership of Heinrich Schliemann. During the excavations (both on the territory of the fortress and outside it), a number of burials were revealed in mine and domed tombs with an incredible amount of all kinds of funeral gifts, among which a huge number of various items made of gold were especially impressive. However, the architecture of the tombs was also of great interest, perfectly illustrating the skill of ancient architects. The best preserved to this day, perhaps, are the tombs of Clytemnestra and Atreus. The tomb of the latter dates back to the XIV century BC. and is a two-chambered tomb with a dromos corridor (length - 36 m, width - 6 m), leading to the domed room (where the king's body rested) with a small side chapel, in which a number of burials were also revealed. A huge 9-meter stone slab weighing about 120 tons was installed above the entrance to the tomb. How the ancient craftsmen managed to establish it is still a mystery. The Tomb of Atreus, or the Treasury of Atreus, is the most grandiose domed structure of that time and one of the most important architectural monuments of the Mycenaean civilization.
In the following decades, archaeologists repeatedly returned to the excavations of the legendary Mycenae and discovered many more different structures, including the remains of the palace complex located on the top of the hill. Recently, the so-called "lower city" was also excavated. A detailed study of the results of archaeological excavations made it possible to significantly open the veil of secrecy over the mysterious Mycenaean civilization.
The famous "Mycenaean gold" (including the so-called golden "mask of Agamemnon", 16th century BC), as well as many other unique ancient artifacts found during the excavations of Mycenae, are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
On a note
- Location: Mycenae
- Opening hours: daily, June - November from 08.00 to 19.00, November - March from 08.30 to 15.00.
- Tickets: adult - 3 euros, under 21 - free.
Description added:
Krass 2018-24-05
The ticket price for 2018 is € 12 for adults from April to October, and € 6 from November to April (low season).
Free for children under 18 years old, upon presentation of a document confirming age.
The ticket is valid for visiting the excavation site, museum and treasury of At
Show full text The ticket price for 2018 is € 12 for adults from April to October, and € 6 from November to April (low season).
Free for children under 18 years old, upon presentation of a document confirming age.
The ticket is valid for visiting the excavation site, museum and treasury of Atreus.
The official website of the Ministry of Culture of Greece (in English) with administrative information (opening hours, prices, etc.) for this object:
odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2573
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