Chapter 4 - The Mycenaeans (Bronze Age Greece) Flashcards
Where was the Mycenaean culture located?
The Peloponnese area
What are the 3 mains cities of the Myc culture?
Mycenae, Teryans, Pylos
What does the Linear B tablet talk about?
Ledgers for surplus of produce, names of gods also written
What does “Wanax” and “Basileus” mean in the Myc culture?
Wanax = king, basileus = high level official
What does “Wanax” and “Basileus” mean in the Myc culture?
Wanax = king, basileus = high level official
What are the 4 most important places in the city, Mycenae?
- Palace (Megaron), 2. Lion Gate, 3. Grave circle ‘A’, 4. Grave circle ‘B’
What building is located on the highest point of Mycenae?
The Palace
What does the “cyclopean masonry” of the Lion Gate indicate about the settlement of Mycenae?
Competition (and therefore peer polity interaction)
What do the two lions on the Lion Gate symbolize about the settlement of Mycenae?
Symbolize power in the culture/city
What is an example of Minoan influence in the Lion Gate in Mycenae?
The tapered down pillars
What was the main area of the Megaron in Mycenae?
A central hearth with 4 columns
What did the storerooms found in a Megaron mean about the city?
They were a show of the power of the city’s economy
What was the primary function of a Mycenaean palace?
Private king’s residence
What was the only reason for ritual in the Myc culture?
Only in the context of kingship and private feasting
What is the secondary function of a Myc palace?
Central administration (ex. collection and redistribution of surplus goods)
Where is Grave Circle ‘B’ located and who was buried there?
Outside the city, and probably elite citizens
The fact that grave circle ‘B’ is surrounded by a wall, in a prominent roadside location, has grave markers and burial goods indicates what?
The those who were buried here had wealth
Why did families give their ancestors such grave burials?
To establish power and transition of leadership in the family
Where is grave circle ‘A’ located and what kinds of disposal of bodies was used?
Was originally outside the city, but city grew around it. Shaft grave with inhumations
What are 3 kinds of burial goods found in grave circle ‘A”
Grave stele, ceremonial daggers, gold funeral masks
Were Minoan or Mycenaean cities more heavily fortified?
Mycenaean (Minoan not at all)
Which of palace (Min or Myc) was centered around public/ ritual ceremony, and which was centered around kings residence?
Min - public/ritual ceremony, Myc - kings residence
Was Min or Myc culture focued on displays of wealth and legitimization of rule and succession?
Myc (no clear method of passing down power in the Min culture)
Were rituals in the Myc culture private or public?
Private (for the king)
