Settlements > Mycenae
Mycenae
Background
The major Greek Bronze Age settlement of Mycenae was discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1800's during the early pioneering years of archaeology and represents one a major archaeological find. The discovery of this settlement which dates to around 1,300 BCE at the height of the Late Bronze Age is extremely important in history and archaeology because Schliemann supposedly discovered it by examining the landscape as described Homer's epics the Iliad and the Odyssey. Much like how early biblical archaeologists set out to prove the Bible correct, this wasSchliemann's personal crusade to give authenticity to his childhood classical stories.Upon excavating the city Schliemann uncovered massive walls that fit right out of the ancientepic as well as rich grave stones full of valuable artifacts. However, Schliemann lived during an era where men behaved more like Indiana Jones than scientists and his excavation of the tomb is lacking serious methodology. In fact, researchers are still trying to piece all of his notes together and attempt to understand what was lost due to context and provenance which were concepts that did not even exist during this time, let alone major developed branches of archaeology in universities.His discoveries at Mycenae yielded amazing artifacts which showcase the innovation, technology and capabilities of the Bronze Age Greeks at the height of their civilization. Not only do these discoveries lend credibility to the stories described by Homer, but they also helped pave the way for an even greater understand of the Near East as a whole. From Mycenae the exuberant Schliemann next managed to locate and hastily excavate the supposed city of Troy. While Heinrich Schliemann did not grasp the entire picture at the time, he was set upon the right path to open up for amazing future discoveries. It was a result of his efforts that more researchers and scholars have been able to examine these mysteries and shed light on an area of history with scarce written records.However, also recovered at Mycenae are some of the earliest available examples of ancient Greek writing known as Linear B. These tablets while describe mundane economic activities, give insight into the life and economic practices of the Bronze Age Greeks and are extremely valuable to historians and archaeologists.However, also recovered at Mycenae are some of the earliest available examples of ancient Greek writing known as Linear B. These tablets while describe mundane economic activities, give insight into the life and economic practices of the Bronze Age Greeks and are extremely valuable to historians and archaeologists.
