One of the most important archaeological sites, world-known. A symbol of heroic Greece, The Mycenae surrounded by the magic of the myth of the veil Atreides, the adventures of the ancient tragic stories.
Located in north-east of creek valley of Andhra Pradesh and a strategic point overlooking a lot of great roads.
Many etymology of the word “Mycenae” from the “creek” that determines the position. Other produce the word of the heroine ‘Mycenae’ daughter Inachus. Other conclude with the word “stool” ypoptirizontas that the city was named after the fungus (the edge of the tray of the sword) the founder of Perseus. Some linguists even associate with the place names’ Mykalissos “and” Mykali “deemed to be pre-hellenic.
Mycenaean civilization
So named culture developed in the center of Mycenae. This is the so-called “Mycenaean” the “Late Helladic” period of ancient history. H period is divided into the early Late Helladic I (1600 - 1500 BC), in the middle Late Helladic II (1500 - 1400 BC) and the younger Late Helladic III (1400 - 1100 BC). The Mycenaean civilization has left a residue in nearly all the Greek territory and established colonies on Rhodes and Cyprus.
The Mycenaeans, who were Greeks, came in close contact with the Cretans and it was next affected by the Minoan civilization on the creation of their own culture. Their culture is mainly known from Mycenae, while the palaces have been excavated at Tiryns and Pylos.
The archaeological site consists of:
- The Lion Gate is the entrance of the Mycenaean citadel, which has the oldest monumental sculpture in Europe in the triangle above the lintel. It is built on a strong wall at the end of the 13th BC century. which because of its size and structure called cyclopean and surrounding the citadel. Within the acropolis there right from the Gate to the barn and a circular enclosure of six royal tombs excavated by Schliemann in 1876, called the Grave Circle A, from which came to light rich finds among them the famous gold masks, the multifarious swords, gold jewelry, etc. (All findings were exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Athens). Soon see the ruins of Mycenaean houses (building the crater of soldiers building the Chun et al) and those of the religious center.
- The palace complex is the highest point and is built on several levels. In this way leads uphill and the entrance, the entrance is located on the northwest side.
The mansion, with gallery, precursors and building blocks located west of the Great Court, which was decorated with colorful themes. Some points are obvious traces of the fire that caused the destruction of the citadel. On the north side of the palace temple foundations distinguished Archaic and Hellenistic periods, and buildings (workshop of artists and craftsmen, building Columns and others). Area attractions include the Acropolis and an underground tank built in the 13th century. BC and the narrow passage leading.
- The area outside the acropolis there is a series of vaulted tombs named Pausanias ‘treasures’, leading to the tomb of the Lions of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. This small burial buildings kept in good condition, while to the west of the excavated fourteen royal shaft graves of Grave Circle B ‘. To the south of Circle B found remains of private houses 13th century. BC (House of Shields, the House of Lademporou etc.).
- 50 meters from the Acropolis overlooking the luxurious Mycenaean tomb, the so-called Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon. Contemporary of the Lion Gate, the arched tomb is composed of path length of 36 meters and a large dome, which must be brought rich interior decoration. Decorated was the facade of the tomb, which divided parts.
- Most of the more remarkable discoveries at Mycenae exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Golden Mask Grave Circle A, which was attributed to the Agamemnon Schliemann, the mural depicting a female figure, golden diadems, etc. remains of a glorious culture and proud that he left us to commemorate the wondrous palace architecture, funerary monuments and a wealth of objects.
- The area of Iraion, Pan-Hellenic cult center was the goddess Hera. The temple, built in place of Mycenaean Prosymnas, was on edge from the 5th century. BC until Roman times.
Tags: Andhra Pradesh, archaeological site, lion gate, Mycenae