2.2 Mycenaean culture: citadels, tombs, and Linear B
3 min read•july 31, 2024
The Mycenaean civilization, a key player in the Aegean Bronze Age, left behind impressive citadels, elaborate tombs, and the script. These elements offer a window into their advanced engineering, complex social structure, and sophisticated administrative systems.
Mycenaean culture differed from its Minoan counterpart in significant ways. While Minoans built open palaces, Mycenaeans constructed fortified citadels. Their art, religion, and social structures also diverged, reflecting distinct cultural priorities and worldviews.
Mycenaean Citadels and Fortifications
Strategic Location and Construction
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- occupied elevated, defensible positions on hilltops or rocky outcrops overlooking surrounding landscapes
- Massive constructed citadels using large, irregular limestone blocks fitted tightly without mortar
- Monumental gateways provided access to citadels ( at Mycenae)
- Showcased advanced engineering and symbolic decoration
- Advanced hydraulic systems incorporated into citadel design
- Underground cisterns and elaborate drainage networks ensured water supply during sieges
- Secret sally ports and underground passages facilitated covert movement and escape routes
Interior Layout and Functions
- Central (throne room) served as the heart of the citadel
- Storage facilities housed goods and resources
- Workshops supported craft production and economic activities
- Religious shrines catered to spiritual needs of inhabitants
- Overall layout reflected administrative, economic, and cultural functions of citadels
Mycenaean Burial Practices and Grave Goods
Tomb Evolution and Construction
- Burial practices evolved from to large, beehive-shaped
- Reflected changes in social structure and funerary beliefs over time
- Tholos tomb construction demonstrated advanced engineering techniques
- created dome-like structures
- Long entrance passages () led to burial chambers
- Variation in tomb size across Mycenaean sites indicated social stratification and regional differences
Funerary Rituals and Grave Goods
- Elaborate accompanied the deceased
- Gold masks ()
- Jewelry ()
- Weapons ()
- Pottery ()
- Imported luxury items found in tombs
- Provided evidence of extensive and international connections
- Secondary burial practices involved moving and reinterring bones
- Suggested complex beliefs about afterlife and ancestor veneration
Linear B Script in Mycenaean Society
Decipherment and Linguistic Significance
- deciphered Linear B in 1952
- Earliest known form of Greek writing
- Provided direct insight into Mycenaean language and culture
- Limited distribution of Linear B literacy suggested a specialized
- Centralized control of information within Mycenaean society
Administrative and Economic Functions
- Primary use for administrative and economic records
- Revealed centralized nature of Mycenaean palace economies and
- Documented detailed inventories
- Goods (olive oil, wool)
- Personnel (workers, slaves)
- Land ownership (, parcels)
- Offered valuable information about economic organization and resource management
- Provided evidence of hierarchical social structure
- References to official titles (, king)
- Various occupations (, bronze-smith)
Religious and Cultural Insights
- Religious references in Linear B texts offered insights into Mycenaean practices
- Documented pantheon of deities
- Some persisted into later Greek mythology (, Poseidon)
- Revealed aspects of ritual offerings and religious ceremonies
Mycenaean vs Minoan Culture
Architecture and Defense
- Mycenaean citadels heavily fortified with massive walls
- Minoan palaces largely unfortified, open layouts
- Reflected different approaches to security and power projection
Artistic Styles and Cultural Expression
- Mycenaean art more martial and less naturalistic in character
- Minoan art emphasized naturalistic scenes and fluid forms
- Mycenaean adoption and adaptation of Linear A into Linear B demonstrated cultural exchange
Religious Practices and Social Structure
- Mycenaeans emphasized male deities and warrior cults
- Minoan religion featured prominence of female deities
- Mycenaean society more hierarchical and militaristic
- Minoan society appeared more mercantile and possibly more egalitarian
Trade and Influence
- Both civilizations maintained extensive trade networks
- Mycenaean trade more militaristic and expansionist
- Minoan trade focused on mercantile practices
- Mycenaean influence spread throughout Aegean and beyond
- Minoan culture largely confined to Crete
- Mycenaean expansion established wider cultural koine
- Laid foundations for later Greek civilization
Key Terms to Review (28)
Administrative records: Administrative records are systematic documents and accounts created to manage the functioning of a society, often detailing transactions, resources, and regulations. In the context of Mycenaean culture, these records were crucial for maintaining control over economic activities, distribution of goods, and the organization of labor, particularly in relation to citadels, tombs, and the use of Linear B script.
Baltic amber beads: Baltic amber beads are decorative and functional objects made from fossilized tree resin, predominantly found in the Baltic Sea region. These beads were used as jewelry and as items of trade, showcasing the cultural significance of amber in various ancient societies, particularly during the Mycenaean period.
Bronze swords: Bronze swords are weapons made from a bronze alloy, commonly used during the Late Bronze Age, particularly by the Mycenaeans. These swords were a symbol of power and warfare, reflecting advancements in metallurgy and military technology. They were often found in tombs and citadels, highlighting their significance in Mycenaean society and culture.
Bureaucratic systems: Bureaucratic systems refer to organized structures that implement administrative functions through a hierarchy of officials and rules. In the context of Mycenaean culture, these systems were essential for managing complex societies, particularly in governing citadels, overseeing trade, and regulating agricultural production. They enabled effective administration and resource allocation, fostering the development of large, centralized political entities.
Corbelled vaulting: Corbelled vaulting is a construction technique where stones or bricks are stacked in a staggered manner to create an arch-like structure, often used to support ceilings or roofs. This method was significant in ancient architecture, particularly in the Mycenaean culture, as it allowed for the creation of large, open interior spaces in citadels and monumental tombs, showcasing engineering ingenuity.
Cyclopean walls: Cyclopean walls are massive stone structures built using large, irregularly shaped boulders fitted together without the use of mortar. This construction technique is characteristic of Mycenaean architecture, especially in their fortified citadels, and reflects the power and sophistication of Mycenaean culture. The term 'cyclopean' comes from the ancient belief that such gigantic structures could only have been built by the mythical Cyclopes, highlighting their impressive scale and durability.
Death Mask of Agamemnon: The Death Mask of Agamemnon is a gold funerary mask discovered at the ancient Mycenaean site of Mycenae, attributed to the late 16th century BCE. This iconic artifact symbolizes the burial practices of the Mycenaean elite, showcasing their wealth and status while also providing insights into the cultural practices surrounding death and the afterlife during this period.
Dromoi: Dromoi are long, constructed passageways or corridors found in Mycenaean architecture, typically leading to monumental tombs or royal burial sites. These corridors were significant for their role in the funerary practices of the Mycenaeans, symbolizing both a physical and spiritual journey for the deceased. The design and construction of dromoi reflect the Mycenaean society's complex beliefs about death and the afterlife, intertwining architectural ingenuity with cultural practices.
Egyptian Alabaster Vessels: Egyptian alabaster vessels are artifacts made from a fine-grained stone known for its translucence and softness, allowing for intricate carvings. These vessels were commonly used in ancient Egypt for holding oils, perfumes, and other valuable substances, often associated with burial practices and rituals.
Gold signet rings: Gold signet rings are ornate pieces of jewelry that served as personal seals and symbols of identity in the ancient world. Typically featuring a carved emblem or design, these rings were used to imprint a person's unique insignia onto wax or clay, making them essential for authenticating documents and conveying social status.
Grave goods: Grave goods are objects placed in a burial site alongside the deceased, intended to accompany them into the afterlife or signify their status and identity. These items can range from everyday objects to luxurious artifacts, reflecting the cultural practices and beliefs of the society that created them. The presence and nature of grave goods provide valuable insights into social structures, rituals, and the material culture of ancient civilizations.
Ka-ke-u: Ka-ke-u is a term from the Mycenaean Linear B script, referring specifically to the title of 'cupbearer' or 'poured.' This term highlights the importance of specific roles and titles within Mycenaean society, particularly related to rituals and elite feasting. It connects to broader themes of social hierarchy, administrative organization, and religious practices within Mycenaean culture.
Ke-ke-me-na: Ke-ke-me-na is a term found in Linear B script, which was used in Mycenaean Greece, referring to a specific type of grain or barley. This term connects to Mycenaean culture, showcasing their agricultural practices and economy, especially in relation to the administration of resources and food storage within citadels and tombs.
Ki-ti-me-na: Ki-ti-me-na refers to the Mycenaean term for 'the land of Kition,' which is often associated with the broader concept of administrative and economic organization within Mycenaean society. This term is significant in understanding the Mycenaean culture as it relates to their citadels, burial practices, and the use of Linear B script for record-keeping.
Linear B: Linear B is a syllabic script used in the Mycenaean civilization, primarily during the late Bronze Age, to record an early form of Greek. It serves as a crucial link in understanding Mycenaean culture, trade practices, and international relations during that period, highlighting administrative, economic, and social aspects of their society.
Lion Gate: The Lion Gate is a monumental entrance to the citadel of Mycenae, built around 1250 BCE, and is one of the most iconic examples of Mycenaean architecture. It features a large lintel stone supported by two massive side pillars, with a relief sculpture of two lionesses or lions standing on either side of a central column, symbolizing power and protection. This impressive structure reflects the sophistication and artistry of Mycenaean culture, showcasing both their architectural skills and their emphasis on symbolism.
Megaron: A megaron is a distinctive architectural feature of Mycenaean palaces, characterized by a large central hall with a rectangular shape, a central hearth, and often flanked by smaller rooms. This structure served as both a ceremonial and living space, playing a crucial role in the social and political life of Mycenaean culture.
Michael Ventris: Michael Ventris was a British architect and linguist, best known for deciphering Linear B, an ancient script used by the Mycenaean civilization. His groundbreaking work in the 1950s revealed that Linear B was a form of early Greek, significantly contributing to our understanding of Mycenaean culture, including its administrative practices and social structures as seen in their citadels and tombs.
Mycenaean Citadels: Mycenaean citadels were fortified palace complexes that served as the centers of political, economic, and social life in Mycenaean Greece during the Late Bronze Age. These structures often featured massive walls, intricate architectural designs, and contained important administrative and ceremonial spaces, reflecting the sophistication of Mycenaean culture. They also housed the Linear B tablets, which provide insights into the administrative practices and daily life of the Mycenaeans.
Palatial Society: A palatial society is a complex social structure characterized by the presence of large, opulent palaces that serve as administrative and political centers, reflecting both the wealth and power of a ruling elite. In such societies, the palaces are not just residences but also play a vital role in the organization of labor, storage of resources, and administration of trade, which is especially evident in Mycenaean culture through their impressive citadels, elaborate tombs, and the use of Linear B script for record-keeping.
Po-se-da-o: Po-se-da-o is the Mycenaean Greek term for the god Poseidon, associated with the sea, earthquakes, and horses. This deity played a significant role in Mycenaean culture, reflected in their art, architecture, and religious practices, particularly in relation to citadels and burial customs.
Redistributive economy: A redistributive economy is an economic system where resources, wealth, and goods are collected and redistributed by a central authority to ensure a more equitable distribution among the population. In the context of Mycenaean culture, this system was crucial in managing resources and establishing social hierarchies within citadels, tombs, and the use of Linear B for record-keeping. The structure of this economy enabled the elite to control agricultural production and distribution, influencing both economic stability and social organization.
Scribal class: The scribal class refers to a specialized group of individuals in ancient societies, particularly in the Mycenaean culture, who were responsible for writing, record-keeping, and administrative tasks. This class played a crucial role in the management of resources and communication, utilizing the Linear B script to document economic transactions, religious practices, and political matters within citadels and tombs.
Shaft graves: Shaft graves are deep burial pits typically found in Mycenaean cemeteries, characterized by their vertical shafts and often elaborate grave goods. These graves reflect the social stratification and wealth of the Mycenaean culture, revealing important insights into their funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
Stirrup Jars: Stirrup jars are specialized ceramic vessels from the Mycenaean period, characterized by their distinctive stirrup-shaped handles and often used for storing and transporting liquids like oil or wine. These jars serve as significant artifacts that provide insight into trade, storage practices, and the socio-economic structures of Mycenaean culture, especially in relation to citadels, tombs, and the use of Linear B script.
Tholos tombs: Tholos tombs are beehive-shaped burial structures characteristic of Mycenaean architecture, often built into hillsides and marked by their corbelled ceilings. These tombs reflect the wealth and power of the Mycenaean elite, showcasing impressive stonework and intricate burial practices. The use of tholos tombs highlights the significance of funerary customs in Mycenaean culture, emphasizing their social hierarchy and beliefs about the afterlife.
Trade networks: Trade networks are systems of exchange that connect various regions, facilitating the flow of goods, ideas, and cultural practices among different societies. These networks played a crucial role in shaping economies and cultures by creating interdependence and fostering relationships across vast distances.
Wa-na-ka: Wa-na-ka refers to a title found in Linear B tablets that signifies the leader or chief of a Mycenaean palace, often translated as 'king' or 'ruler'. This term highlights the hierarchical structure of Mycenaean society and connects to the administrative and economic systems evident in their citadels, tombs, and written records.