Archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns

Mycenae and Tiryns are the two largest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which is the first major Greek civilization that developed in Greece from the 15th to the 12th century BC. Mycenae, the largest palatial center of the period, with its “cyclopean” walls, the megaron and the magnificent tombs, was mentioned in the Homeric epics (the Iliad and the Odyssey) as the seat of the legendary king Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War. Tiryns was another important fortified citadel and an important urban center in Argolis. Both are characteristic examples of early Greek civilization, echoed in Homeric epics, which influenced European art and literature for more than 3 millennia.

Date of entry into UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites
1999

Visit website of MSC Supporting material

Vases from the mycenean period. Museum of Mycenae.

Mycenae: The magnificent "Lion Gate", the citadel's main entrance

Clay figurine of a female, probably a goddess, from the citadel of Mycenae. 13th c. BC. Museum of Mycenae.

Mycenae: Grave Circle A, an enclosure around burials of the 16th c. BC.

Detail of the entrance to the Tholos Tomb "Treasury of Atreus".

Precious burial offerings in tombs of the 16th c. BC. Museum of Mycenae.

Clay figurines of females, animals and furniture. 13th c. BC. Museum of Mycenae.

Openings in the walls, to ensure safe access to the underground aqueduct in the citadel of Mycenae.

Façade of the "Treasury of Atreus". Mycenae.

Mycenae: The magnificent “Lion Gate”, the citadel’s main entrance

Aerial view of the citadel of Mycenae.

Aerial view of the citadel of Tiryns.

Mycenae: interior of the tholos tomb "Treasury of Atreus".

Mycenae: the Cyclopean Walls.

Tiryns: the "Galleries", tunnels and storagerooms built in the walls.

Mycenae: the entryway (dromos) and the entrance of the tholos tomb "Treasury of Atreus".