The Rise and Fall of Mycenaean Civilization
ARCHEOLOGY
PROVIDES EVIDENCE
Heinrich Schliemann –
inspired by Homer’s The
Illiad & The Odyssey
Schliemann’s methods,
ethics controversial
2 facts: 1) Troy existed
2) Mycenaean civ. Existed
about 1000 years prior
than anyone thought up
until 18th c. and H.S.
discoveries
• Schliemann & Troy
What can we deduce from
Schliemann’s findings?
• Palace fortified so perhaps
more aggressive than
Minoans
• Images depict more warlike
activities
• Wealth most likely due to
trade
• Use of gold and artisan skill
• Hierarchical rule
• Linear B – written language
deciphered 1952
• Reconstruction of
palace
Corbeled gallery in the wall of the citadel, Tiryns
Cyclopean blocks 20 feet thick
Homer referred to fortress as “Tiryns of
the Great Walls”
Lion’s Gate 1300-1250 BCE
Guardian figures, reminder of cities warlike past
Triangle shape relieves pressure of blocks
Entrance to the citadel
Funerary mask, inlaid dagger, Vapheio Cups
All found 1876 H.S. excavation, NOT Agamemnon’s mask, lion
hunt depiction on dagger and bull hunt on cups. Homer
describes similar decoration on Achilles’ shield as seen on
dagger
Decline of Heroic Age 1100-800 BCE
Internal discord, human desire & greed
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No foreign artifacts to prove other hypothesis
Migration of people’s biggest impact
Spread of Greek culture
Poverty & economic hardship common
Epic poems of Homer – ideal not authentic past
Hesiod – depicts average man not gods “Works &
Days”
• Homeric values – courage, honor & excellence
Pleiades & Flaxmen inspired by Hesiod’s “Works &
Days”
Achilles killing Hector as described in Homer