Peloponnese Peninsula

  Mycenae is located in Peloponnese, Greece and it is placed between two major hills in Peloponnese and is considered a very important archeological site. This citadel dates back somewhere between 14th-13th century BCE and it covered about 30,000 square meters. During this time Mycenae was considered one of the major cities of Greek life. (Cartwright. 2009). Mycenae was also important in Greek Mythology, and was mentioned in Homers Illiad, as a “well founded citadel” and also as “ Golden Mycenae” (Cartwright,2009).    

      Archeological excavations of Mycenae began as early as 1841 CE by the Archaeological Society of Athens (Cartwrith, 2009). Mycenae is though to have been inhabited by people during the Neolithic times, and many artifacts have been found at this site such as, gravesites. There has also been some finding that date back to 1600 BCE, which include wall paintings, and pottery all of which was considered a higher type of quality for this time period. Some of the most impressive findings of Mycenae include the architectural structure of this citadel, which include the fortification walls that surround the city, and the palaces, which housed many private rooms(Cartwrith, 2009). Other important artifacts found include tablets with Linear B writings. According to Horrocks, Linear B writings were deciphered during the 1950’s, and originated from the Minoans writings of Linear A (Horrocks. 2010, Pp.10-11). Another grand feature of Mycenae is the Lion Gate entrance of the citadel.

      There are many reasons that could have caused the fall of Mycenae, such as invasions or natural disasters. According to Byrson el at, one reason may have been due to a prolonged drought due to climate change (Bryson, 1974). Many part of the wall surrounding the citadel are still in tact, and can be seen today by visitors. 

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Bibliography

 

-Cartwright, Mark. Ancient History Encyclopedia: Mycenae. September 2, 2009.

  https://www.ancient.eu/mycenae/

 

-Bryson, R. A, H.H Lamb, David Donley. Drought and the Decline of Mycenae. Antiquity

                Publications. March 1974. P.46

 

 -Horrocks, Geoffrey. Greek: A History of the Language and Speakers. John Wiley and

                    Sons Publishing. 2010. Pp 10-11.

 

Photography:

-The Lions Gate. In Search of the Greeks: Mycenae. Bloomsbury Publishing. Retrieved. January 29, 2017.

                    http://www.bloomsbury.com/cw/in-search-of-the-greeks-2nd-edition/galleries/sites-ordered-by-name/mycenae/ 

 

-Mycenae Photograph. Eternal Greece: Ancient Mycenae. April 5, 2015. Retrieved. January 29, 2017.

                    http://www.eternalgreece.com/mycenae/

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