Gold Mask of Mycenae (undated drawing)
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Created between 1600 and 1500 BCE this gold mask from Mycenae measures 12 inches high and was found in one of the burial shafts of the grave circle inside the walls. It was originally discovered by Heinrich Schliemann who, enthralled by ancient Greek myths, name it the "Mask of Agamemnon."
This gold mask was probably for a king - such masks were commonly put on the faces of deceased royalty - but even if Agamemnon did exist, the mask is older than him - by about 300 years or so. Of all the gold masks discovered at Mycenae, this is the best and there is a good chance that it was created by Minoan craftsmen who fled whatever disaster had befallen Crete and caused the destruction of many palaces there.
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