17 Chaper 4.4: Mycenaean Art
MYCENAEAN CIVILIZATION
Historians describe the Mycenaeans as a war-like people. They conquered the Minoans and inhabited the Palace at Knossos around the mid-fifteenth century BCE. They were also expert builders who introduced new technological innovations into their architectural monuments.
TASK
The video below provides additional background on the Mycenean people and their accomplishments. After viewing the source, please respond to the accompanying questions.
Introduction to the Mycenaeans and Mycenaean Civilization – History with Cy
THE MYCENAEAN CITADEL
The Mycenaean civilization takes its name from one of its foremost cities, Mycenae. There, Mycenaean kings built elaborate palaces surrounded by enormous fortification walls. The remains of Mycenaean citadels have been found at numerous other locations on mainland Greece.
TASK
The source below explores the remains of the powerful palace that once held a commanding position in Mycenae. After viewing the video, please answer the accompanying questions.
The Palace and Grave Circle A, Mycenae – Smarthistory – (material on Grave Circle A in next section)
Prompt:
What encouraged Mycenaean kings to place the Palace at Mycenae where they did?
How might the “megaron” have functioned and what features did it have?
What is the character of the fortification walls?
MYCENAEAN TOMBS
It is clear from Mycenaean tomb excavations that they gave their elite elaborate burials. Tombs have been found both with the palace walls at Mycenae and in surrounding areas.
TASK
The videos below explore two types of tombs that the Mycenaeans constructed at different time periods. After viewing the sources below, please answer the accompanying questions.
The Palace and Grave Circle A, Mycenae – Smarthistory
The Treasury of Atreus, c. 1300-1250 BCE, Mycenae, Greece – Smarthistory
Prompt:
What are the two types and when was each popular?
What form do they have in common and what does it suggest about their function?
How were the deceased buried?
What kind of grave goods were found with the dead in Grave Circle A and what do they suggest about the Mycenaeans?
What different parts comprise the Treasury of Atreus and what term is given to this form of tomb?
What technique was used to create the domical interior of the Treasury of Atreus?
MYCENAEAN SCULPTURE (large-scale)
Large-scale sculpture among the ancient peoples of the Aegean was rare. It appears that only the Mycenaeans embraced this medium, even though not many examples survive. The sculpture adorning the palace gate at Mycenae is one of the most enigmatic Mycenaean artworks.
TASK
After viewing the source below, please respond to the accompanying questions.
Mycenaean Art, An Introduction
Prompt:
Minoan influence – where?
Lion Gate, Mycenae, c. 1300-1250 BCE – Smarthistory
Prompt:
Description, function, interpretation
Mask of Agamemnon, Mycenae, c. 1550-1500 BCE – Smarthistory
Prompt:
Function of object
Find site
Technique
