What kinds of artifacts were unearthed from the graves of Mycenae? What was their importance? Is "The Death Mask of Agamemnon" real or a hoax?
Grave Circle A
Grave Circle A dates to around the 16th century B.C.E., and was excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876. The graves themselves were marked by limestone stabs, which were decorated with Mycenean motifs (usually scenes of warfare). The composition of these images was divided into several zones, therefore indicating a change in artistic technique. Originally these graves would have been located outside a citadel, but they were enclosed by an extension wall built at a later date. Grave Circle A contained 13 cist graves. It is believed about 9 adult males, 8 adult females, and 2 children / teenagers were buried there. Their bodies were wrapped in shrouds, and lowered into the shaft pits. Male bodies were adorned with gold masks. Artifacts unearthed within these graves include:
- Pottery
- Dress Pins
- Rock crystals and amethyst seals
- Gold grave masks, such as the famous "Mask of Agamemnon"
- Gold breast plates / sheets of gold
- Gold disks
- Gold hoop earrings
- Silver bracelets
- Signet rings
- Drinking vessels / vases, made out of marble, gold, silver and bronze
- Rhytons (another form of drinking vessel), in the shape of bull heads
- Inlaid daggers, such as the famous Lion Hunt Dagger
There has been much controversy dealing with Schliemann's findings. When he found the death mask, he truly believed he was staring into the face of Agamemnon himself. He declared "Today I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon," and told the King of Greece of his findings. It is now believed that the mask dates to 1500-1550 B.C.E., which is earlier than the rule of Agamemnon.
Others believe Schliemann took the opportunity to altar artifacts as well, insisting that he carved a small mustache on the "Mask of Agamemnon." Some are not convinced that the mask is real at all, and believe it is a hoax.
Grave Circle B
Grave Circle B is older, and dates to around the late 17th century. George E. Mylonas led these excavations in 1951 and 1952. It contained 25 burials, 14 of which are shaft graves. It is believed 15 males, 6 females and about 4 children / teenagers were buried there. Artifacts unearthed here include:
- Minyan pottery
- Drinking cups
- Jewelry
- Sword
- Vases
The items found in Grave Circle B are not as luxurious as the one found in Grave Circle A, but still remain quite remarkable.
Where is all this gold coming from?
Mycenaens were the first armed merchants in the ancient world, enabling them to acquire vast amounts of gold. They took over many trading routes in the eastern Mediterranean, and continued their conquest until 1400 B.C.E.
Related Articles
Mycenaean Terracotta Figurines
Useful Links
Darthmouth - History of the Bronze Age
Dr. J’s Illustrated Grave Circles at Mycenae
