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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
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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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
Inside the walls, steps lead up to the palace, but first make a detour, to explore Grave Circle A. |
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In 1876, Schliemann
(same guy who found Troy) hit a treasure trove of grave burials people
buried with many golden goodies, including golden masks, jewelry, belts
and bracelets, diadems, rings, cups and goblets, plus bronze swords and
daggers. |
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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
Climb up the stone steps to the Palace Complex, which 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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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
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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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
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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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
"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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Treasury of Atreus, also called the "Tomb of Agamemnon" is the biggest
of all the tombs at Mycenae. All that's left is the impressive structure, a soaring beehive ceiling,
the contents of the fabulous tomb were looted long ago in antiquity. |
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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
Archaeological 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. |
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The museum
also has reproductions of the golden burial goods from Grave Circle A golden death mask (above), two swords, golden
diadem and necklace, and a collection of endearing pottery votive figures. |
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To see original golden artifacts from Mycenae, visit National Archeological Museum in Athens. |
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Tips for the
Mycenae |
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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
Come early in the day, to avoid crowds, and beat summer heat. |
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Bring water bottles, wear sun screen and hats. |
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![](https://travelforkids.com/images/bullets_images/bullet1.gif) |
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). |