Mycenae

Definition

Mycenae was a fortified late Bronze Age city located between two hills on the Argolid plain of the Peloponnese, Greece. The acropolis today dates from between the 14th and 13th century BCE when the Mycenaean civilization was at its peak of power, influence and artistic expression. The archaeological sites of Mycenae and nearby Tiryns are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

More about: Mycenae

Timeline

  • 3000 BCE - 2000 BCE
    First inhabitation of Mycenae area.
  • c. 2100 BCE
    First evidence of building structures at Mycenae.
  • c. 1700 BCE - c. 1600 BCE
    First shaft graves constructed at Mycenae.
  • 1700 BCE - 1100 BCE
    The Mycenaean civilization dominates Greece.
  • c. 1600 BCE
    First evidence of elite buildings at Mycenae.
  • c. 1550 BCE
    Gold death masks (including that of 'Agamemnon') made at Mycenae.
  • c. 1500 BCE - 1200 BCE
    Mycenae at its peak of influence.
  • c. 1500 BCE - c. 1400 BCE
    First palace structure and Treasury of Atreus tomb built at Mycenae.
  • c. 1500 BCE - c. 1200 BCE
    The Linear B script of the Mycenaean civilization is in use.
  • c. 1500 BCE
    First tholos tombs built at Mycenae.
  • c. 1450 BCE
    Mycenaen influence extended to Knossos, Crete.
  • c. 1300 BCE
    First palace destroyed at Mycenae and repaired, Lion Gate added and fortifications extended.
  • c. 1300 BCE - c. 1250 BCE
    Cyclopean stone bridge built near Mycenae.
  • c. 1200 BCE
    Second palace destroyed at Mycenae, city begins to decline.
  • 1200 BCE - 1100 BCE
    Argos takes over from Mycenae as most important regional power in the Argolid.
  • 468 BCE
    Argeians destroy citadel of Mycenae.
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