2.1 Key Sites Key Points Mycenae Flashcards
What are some key points on Mycenae
Sally ports
Underground cistern
Built on top of a hill
Cyclopean walls
Lion gate
Why are sally ports important
Two of them
- important as defenders could of rushed out and attacked unsuspecting enemies
- positioned at the north and south of the city but are visible from a distances
- passage is 2.5m wide which could indicate these passages were not very effective
What techniques was used in the sally ports ?
Corbelling, other examples are the passage to the underground cistern
Why was the underground cistern important ?
Tank of water
- stored water so if the city was under siege it could supply water even if water sources to Mycenae where blocked off so they could hold out for a length period
- Series of clay pipes in the roof connected to a natural spring
- 18m below ground level
Why are the walls important ?
The Cyclopean walls are important as they are very thick and high
protecting the city from attack
- estimated to be 12m high and between 5.5-7.5 meters thick as it varies around the city.
- around 900m long perimeter covering the whole city and generally follow the contours of the hill
- each limestone block weighs 2 tones
Why is the Lion gate important ?
-The most impressive piece of masonry in the green world.
-Main entrance. Two lions carved in the form of relief above is a corbeling arch, surrounded by large blocks.
-Heads probably made out of limestone which is very difficult to carve so shows good craftsmen ship.
- wall around it made from conglomerate which creates a beautiful contrast
- was effective as it could divert attackers to focus on it however defenders could hurl down spears
What are the oldest tombs at Mycenae ? And what was above some of the graves.
Grave circle B, stele ( stone slabs with patterns most commonly used on tomb stones)
- 200m west of the city containing 24 graves ( 14 shaft and 10 cist)
- enclosed in a stone wall and a diameter of 28m
- estimated half of these are members of the royal family
What is important about grave circle A?
- 28m diameter same as grave circle B
- Thought to have a been a royal burial site
- Rich contents of jewellery and riches
- Contains six shaft graves that are both deeper and larger than those at Grave circle B
- Objects included gold things weighing 14 kg with silver, amber, glass and ivory
- elaborate stelai with chariot scenes
What are the two tombs called ?
The tomb of Clytemnestra
Tomb of Aegisthus
What is corbelling ?
A technique used to span a gap between walls by placing increasingly larger blocks of stone onto each other
Give some key info on the tombs
- tholos tombs meaning domed
- never housed the legendary rules and the name comes from locals
- situated to the west of the city
- ## diameter and height of 13m( very impressive)
Give some information on the city of Mycenae geographically ?
- 18m above ground
- 300m long and between 45 to 100m wide
