The Citadel of Mycenae
The citadel of Mycenae was one of the pre-eminent political centres of the Mycenaean world – a civilisation that dominated mainland Greece during the Late Helladic Period – that is, from around 1600 until 1100 BC. The Mycenaeans were the descendants of a migrant race that had, by means of conquest and subjugation, cut a swathe through mainland Greece sometime before 1600 BC. They were finally to settle in and around the Peloponnese, having been attracted by its abundant fertile land.
Their major centres of power were to be found at fortified palace-sites such as here at Mycenae, as well as at Pylos in Messenia, Tiryns in Argolis and Athens in Attica. With a heritage rich in military campaigning, the Mycenaeans would have been all too aware of the fragility of their own newly founded kingdom. As a result, they took great pains over the security of their cities – having them located on heavily defensive positions, atop an acropolis and behind massive fortified walls. According to Greek legend, it was Perseus who was said to have founded the city of Mycenae, using the muscle of the cyclops to erect its famous line of fortifications. In Homer’s epic poem, the Ilyiad, the city was the seat of king Agamemnon and the capital of Greece – and it was from here that Agamemnon led his coalition of Greeks – the Achaeans – against the city of Troy.
- An Introduction to Mycenaean Civilisation - 4:54
- "Well-Built Mycenae" - 2:32
- The Lion Gate - 1:35
- The Royal Grave Circle - 2:34
- The Palace Complex and the Megaron - 3:05
- The Hall of Columns - 0:52
- The Treasury of Atreus, the "Tomb of Agamemnon" - 3:29
- Total Running Time - 19:01
