Mycenaean Civilization

Mycenaean Gold Death Mask

The Mycenaean civilization flourished in the Late Bronze Age, from approximately 1600 to 1100 BCE, primarily in mainland Greece. Named after the impressive citadel of Mycenae in the Peloponnese, this ancient Greek culture was characterized by its grand palaces, intricate gold artwork, and the first written form of the Greek language, Linear B. The Mycenaeans were skilled warriors, traders, and craftsmen, leaving an indelible mark on the history and mythology of ancient Greece.

Key Aspects of Mycenaean Civilization

  • Impressive fortified citadels and palaces
  • Advanced metallurgy and craftsmanship, especially in gold
  • Extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean
  • Linear B script, the earliest known form of written Greek
  • Rich burial practices, including shaft graves and tholos tombs
  • Influence on Greek mythology and the Homeric epics

The Mycenaean civilization's collapse around 1100 BCE marked the beginning of the Greek Dark Ages, but their cultural and technological achievements continued to influence later Greek civilizations and the wider Mediterranean world.