Mycenae
01 October 2013
Dean
Ever heard of the Trojan Wars? The leader of the opposing forces (Achaeans) was Agamemnon. His brother, Menelaus, had his wife Helen was taken away (willingly) by Paris (the second son of Priam, the King of Troy). And so began the Trojan wars.
Well Agamemnon was a Mycenaean king (Dynasty of Atreus). His city is wonderfully preserved given the age (Mycenaean empire was 1600-1100 BC). The lions above the Lion’s Gate, the main entrance to the hill top fortress and palace, is still intact (minus their heads). The burial mounds (Tholos) sites are wonderfully intact particularly the big beehive tomb called the ‘Treasury of Atreus” which some believe to be Agamemnon’s burial place – he was killed by his wife upon his return from Troy while having his bath. Must have forgotten to pick up something for her!
We drove out to the site early and were the first in. So wonderful to have the place to ourselves for an hour or so. We were in awe of the Mycenaean’s construction abilities. An underground stairwell leading down into the water cisterns and underground aqueducts is still intact. The huge headstones and lentils, along with the massive blocks set into the fortress walls, are so well done they have withstood the ages and a few earthquakes.