MYCENAEAN GREECE Meaning and
Definition
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Mycenaean Greece refers to the ancient civilization that existed in the region of Greece from approximately 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE. This period is named after the city of Mycenae, which was one of the most prominent cities in this civilization. Mycenaean Greece is also known as Late Helladic period in archaeological terms.
Mycenaean Greece was characterized by a sophisticated and advanced culture, especially in terms of architecture, art, and warfare. The Mycenaeans were skilled warriors, known for their distinctive warrior culture and impressive fortresses, such as the famous Lion Gate of Mycenae. Their society was organized in a hierarchical manner, with a warrior elite ruling over a population engaged in farming and craftsmanship.
The culture of Mycenaean Greece was heavily influenced by the earlier Minoan civilization of Crete. They adopted many aspects of Minoan culture and art and incorporated them into their own. This is evident in the Mycenaean art, which often featured themes and motifs that are reminiscent of Minoan art.
The Mycenaeans were also a seafaring civilization, engaging in trade and establishing colonies in various parts of the Mediterranean. They had a system of writing known as Linear B, which was deciphered in the mid-20th century, providing valuable insights into their society and administration.
The downfall of the Mycenaean civilization is still debated among historians and archaeologists, but it is generally attributed to a combination of factors including natural disasters, invasions, and internal unrest. The collapse of Mycenaean Greece marked the beginning of a period of decline and the subsequent Greek Dark Ages.
Etymology of MYCENAEAN GREECE
The term "Mycenaean Greece" refers to the civilization that existed in the Late Bronze Age on the Greek mainland and various Aegean islands, with Mycenae being one of its most prominent centers. The etymology of the word "Mycenaean" can be traced back to the archaeological site of Mycenae, located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese in Greece.
The word "Mycenae" is derived from the Greek Mykēnai (Μυκῆναι), which itself is believed to have roots in the ancient Greek word mukēs (μύκης), meaning "mushroom" or "fungus". The precise reason for this relationship is not entirely clear, but one theory suggests that it might be due to the honeycombed appearance of the fortifications at Mycenae resembling a mushroom.
