Mycenaean Architecture (1600-1150 BCE)

The origins of Mycenaean culture are unclear, but these forerunners of the Greeks had developed a distinct culture by about 1500 BCE on mainland Greece. This culture is called Mycenaean after one of its principal citadels, Mycenae. Mycenaean remains have been discovered at a number of locations, however. Mycenaean palace-forts contrast dramatically with the open Minoan palaces and reveal the defensive and war-like nature of these peoples. Tiryns , one of the Mycenaean citadels, was the legendary birthplace of Hercules, one of the greatest of Greek heroes.

The plan of Tiryns shows the shrewd intelligence of Mycenaen builders. Enemies would have to attack the fortress by marching up a long ramp constructed so that the right side of the warriors would be exposed. (A right handed warrior would carry a sword in his right hand with his protective shield on the left.) The walls of this fortress were about 20 feet wide as well and narrow gates and vaulted passageways also provided good defense.

The lion gateway at the citadel of Mycenae illustrates the skill of builders who constructed huge walls without the aid of cement or mortar. Guardian animal figures are common in Near Eastern and Egyptian art as well. (The Sphinx in front of the pyramids in Egypt is another example.)