Mycenae
Major centre of Mycenaean civilization in the second millennium BC.
Mycenae is an archaeological site near Mykines in Argolis, north-eastern Peloponnese, Greece. In the second millennium BC, it was one of the major centres of Greek civilization—a military stronghold that dominated much of southern Greece, Crete, the Cyclades and parts of southwest Anatolia.
- location
- Near Mykines, Argolis, north-eastern Peloponnese, Greece
- peak_area
- 32 hectares (79 acres)
Lore & Background
The name Mukanai is thought not to be Greek but rather one of many pre-Greek place names. Legend connects it to the Greek word mykēs (μύκης, 'mushroom'), and Pausanias ascribes the name to the legendary founder Perseus. Homer connected the name to the nymph Mycene.
Reader's Guide
Mycenae is significant as the namesake of the Mycenaean period (c. Its architecture, including the Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus, and the Cyclopean walls, is outstanding. The site is strongly connected to the Homeric epics, and the earliest examples of the Greek language are preserved on Linear B tablets found there.
Did You Know?
- The name Mukanai is thought to be pre-Greek, not Greek.
- The earliest examples of the Greek language are preserved on Linear B tablets from Mycenae and Tiryns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mycenae?
Mycenae is an archaeological site near the village of Mykines in Argolis, in the north-eastern Peloponnese of Greece. It was a major military and political stronghold in the second millennium BC that exerted influence over southern Greece, Crete, the Cyclades, and stretches of southwest Anatolia.
What was Mycenae's role in ancient Greek civilization?
During its height, Mycenae functioned as the dominant military power of the Aegean, projecting control across much of southern Greece and the island chains. It is regarded as one of the single most important centres of Greek civilization in the second millennium BC.
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