Mycenae
- "The ruins of Mycenae. Perseus himself lived there once."
- ―Kassandra[src]
Mycenae was an ancient city in Argolis, Greece, best known for being the home of Agamemnon, the legendary king of Mycenae and a hero of the Trojan War.
One of the oldest cities in Greece, dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, its walls were said to be the work of the Cyclopes.[1] It was connected to a tomb via a circle grave within the city's walls, the tomb was originally attributed to Agammemnon by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876, although this claim was later refuted.[2] Also of note are also the Lion Gate, featuring two lions flanking a column, and the Megaron Palace which housed the throne room.[3]
History
Foundation
According to Greek mythology, the legendary hero Perseus was said to have founded the city, moving to rule Mycenae following his marriage to the Aithiopian princess Andromeda. There they produced seven sons and two daughters, collectively known as the Perseids.[4]
However, the origin of the city is disputed, with one story claiming that Perseus, after unintentionally killing his grandfather and exchanged realms with his relative Megapenthes, arrived in his new lands and dropped the cap of his sword scabbard – called "mycēs" in Greek. Interpreting this as a good omen, his decided to build a city.[5]
Another account of the events was that Perseus picked up a mushroom – also called mycēs – and drank the water from it. After his thirst was quenched he decided that the land from which the mushroom grew would be a suitable place to establish his city.[5]
Bronze Age
By 1250 BCE, Mycenae was at the height of power and the city was largely prosperous. The population was increasing, and more houses had to be made. At one point the cities walls had to be expanded to make way for the ever growing populace.[6]
Classical period
The city was later abandoned and was gradually taken over by bandits by the 5th century BCE.[1] During the Peloponnesian War, the ruins were explored by the Spartan misthios Kassandra, killing the bandits and their leader, freeing their captive, found an Ancient tablet and looted their treasures.[7]
Gallery
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Front view of Mycenae -
Side view of Mycenae -
The Lion Gate -
A circle grave within Mycenae -
Exterior of the Megaron Palace -
Interior of the Megaron Palace
Appearances
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Argolis: Mycenae
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece – "Mycenae" – Grave Circle
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece – "Mycenae" – The Lion Gate
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – A Treasury of Legends
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece – Discovery Sites: Foundation of the Site
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece – "Mycenae" – Habitations
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey