Mycenae Lion Gate (undated drawing)
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
« Back to Last Page | Photos: Mythology, Religion, Art in Mycenae »
At the same time that Mycenaean civilization was at its greatest influence it was also actively preparing for disaster. All over the Aegean region cities were diverting resources away from rich tombs and towards expanding and strengthening their fortifications. There was particular interest in securing a water supply that would be needed in case of siege. Similar preparations can be identified in sites such as Athens, Gla, and Mycenae itself.
One important feature of the Lion Gate in Mycenae is its location: notice that it is located at a corner in the wall, forcing visitors to approach it by first traversing a long walkway with the city wall to their left. This was very useful in defending against attackers. Even better was the construction of additional fortifications on the right of the gate, allowing defenders to attack and assault force on their unshielded right side.
One possible source of the dangers may have been intercity rivalries, a concern attested to by similar rivalries among later Greek city-states. Another source may have been external invasion - and it is interesting that all the major powers of the eastern Mediterranean collapsed around 1200 BCE, perhaps for similar reasons. For some scholars, the most likely cause of such widespread destruction is the advance of the "Sea Peoples," some of whom settled down and became the Philistines.
« Back to Last Page | Photos: Mythology, Religion, Art in Mycenae »
