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The citadel at Mycenae was enclosed in a massive thick stone
wall – the stones are so big it seems that it would need the Cyclops
to put them in place. Step through the Lion Gate, the fancy entrance
to the stronghold, topped with two lions (or lionesses) – originally
there were two big bronze doors also. |
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Inside the walls, head up the steps to the palace (or head
off to the right to Grave Circle A). The palace complex had living
quarters and large public areas. Most visible today is the large rectangle,
the megaron, which was brightly decorated in red, yellow and blue geometric
patterns. As you stand in the middle, surveying the valley below, just imagine
that you're the High King of Greece, sitting on his throne, meeting with
his administrators and royal guests. |
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From the hill top, keep going west down off the hillside – it's
fun to explore the warren of rooms of the little palace. |
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At the far end of the enclosed wall, you'll find the entrance
to the secret cistern. For the citadel, having a steady water supply
was important – water was brought underground from a spring to the
cistern. You'll need flashlights to go down the steps that lead to the cistern.
It's somewhat steep and the steps are worn very smooth, so be careful as
you descend. In the ghostly darkness, you might hear the footsteps of the
ancient Mycenaens. |
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Grave Circle A – In 1876, Schliemann
(same guy who found Troy) hit a treasure trove of grave burials –people
buried with gobs of golden goodies, including golden masks, jewelry, belts
and bracelets, diadems, rings, cups and goblets, plus bronze swords and
daggers. See copies of a few of the gold objects in the Mycenae Museum,
but to see the original finds, visit the National Archeological Museum in
Athens. |
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"Beehive tombs" – Outside
the citadel walls, don't miss the fabulous "beehive" tombs: |
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 Tomb
of Clytemnestra – Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, wasn't really
buried in this beehive tomb, but it was royal burial, built about 1220 B.C.,
and it's wonderful inside. Step through the tall doorway (the entrance was
originally brightly painted and decorated) into a gigantic domed beehive
space – it's dark and cool inside. |
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Down
the road, the Treasury of Atreus is a similar tomb with a beehive
ceiling. Also called the "Tomb of Agamemnon," it's the biggest
of all the tombs at Mycenae. All that's left is the impressive structure,
the contents of the fabulous tomb were looted long ago in antiquity. |
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Museum – Check out the two models
of Mycenae, one of the whole site, another of the palace alone –
the models really help to visualize what the citadel was like. The museum
also has reproductions of the golden burial goods from Grave Circle A, a
golden death mask (called the "mask of Agamemnon" –
it isn't really his face, but it's amazing anyway), two swords, a golden
diadem and necklace, and a collection of endearing pottery votive figures
(you can get some ideas for clay class). |
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Tip: Stones are worn smooth over the centuries
at these ruins, wear shoes or sandals with straps so you can easily scramble
around (you'll want to avoid skinned knees). Bring suntan lotion and lots
of water. |
