Mycenaean Greece

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Mycenaean Greece refers to the last phase of the Bronze Age in Ancient Greece, spanning approximately from 1600 to 1100 BCE. This period is named after the archaeological site of Mycenae in northeastern Peloponnese, one of the major centers of Mycenaean civilization. Mycenaean Greece is characterized by its palatial states, advanced art and architecture, and the development of a writing system known as Linear B.

History

The Mycenaean civilization emerged after the decline of the Minoan civilization on Crete. The Mycenaeans are believed to have been influenced by the Minoans, adopting aspects of their culture, including their writing system, which evolved into Linear B. The Mycenaeans established powerful kingdoms and built impressive palaces, such as those found at Mycenae, Pylos, Thebes, and Tiryns.

Society and Culture

Mycenaean society was hierarchical, with a king (wanax) at the top, followed by a warrior aristocracy and a class of free citizens. The economy was primarily based on agriculture, but the Mycenaeans were also skilled traders and craftsmen. They are known for their distinctive pottery, frescoes, and monumental architecture, including the famous Lion Gate at Mycenae and the beehive-shaped tholos tombs.

Religion

The Mycenaeans practiced a polytheistic religion, worshipping a pantheon of gods that would later be integrated into the Greek pantheon. Evidence from Linear B tablets suggests that they worshipped deities such as Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Athena.

Linear B

Linear B is the earliest form of Greek writing, used primarily for record-keeping. It was deciphered in the 1950s by Michael Ventris, revealing that the Mycenaeans spoke an early form of the Greek language. The tablets provide valuable insights into the administrative and economic aspects of Mycenaean society.

Collapse

The decline of Mycenaean Greece around 1100 BCE is often attributed to a combination of factors, including natural disasters, internal strife, and invasions by the so-called Sea Peoples. This period of decline led to the Greek Dark Ages, a time of reduced population and loss of literacy.

Legacy

Despite its collapse, Mycenaean Greece left a lasting legacy on subsequent Greek culture. The epic poems of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are believed to be based on Mycenaean themes and events, particularly the Trojan War.

Related Pages

• Bronze Age
• Ancient Greece
• Minoan civilization
• Linear B
• Trojan War
• Greek mythology