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"The ruins of Mycenae. Perseus himself lived there once."
―Kassandra[src]
Argolis-Mycenae1

Mycenae as viewed from above

Mycenae was an ancient city in Argolis, Greece, best known for being the home of Agamemnon, the legendary king of Mycenae and a hero of the Trojan War.

One of the oldest cities in Greece, dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, its walls were said to be the work of the Cyclopes.[1] Via a circle grave within the city's walls, Mycenae was connected to a tomb which Heinrich Schliemann attributed to Agammemnon in 1876, although this claim was later refuted.[2] Also of note are the Lion Gate, featuring two lions flanking a column,[3] and the Megaron Palace which housed the throne room.[4]

History[]

Foundation[]

According to Greek mythology, the legendary hero Perseus was said to have founded the city, moving to rule Mycenae following his marriage to the Aithiopian princess Andromeda. There they produced seven sons and two daughters, collectively known as the Perseids.[5] However, the origin of the city is disputed, with one story claiming that Perseus, after unintentionally killing his grandfather and exchanging realms with his relative Megapenthes, arrived in his new lands and dropped the cap of his sword scabbard—called mycēs in Greek. Interpreting this as a good omen, his decided to build a city.[6] Another account of the events tells that Perseus picked up a mushroom—also called mycēs—and drank the water from it. After his thirst was quenched he decided that the land from which the mushroom grew would be a suitable place to establish his city.[6]

Bronze Age[]

By 1250 BCE, Mycenaean civilization was at its prime, and the city was largely prosperous. The population was increasing, and more houses had to be made. At one point the city-walls had to be expanded to make way for the ever growing populace.[7]

Classical period[]

The city was later abandoned and was gradually taken over by bandits by the 5th century BCE.[1] During the Peloponnesian War, the ruins were explored by the Spartan misthios Kassandra, killing the bandits and their leader, freeing their captive, finding an Ancient tablet and looting their treasures.[8]

Gallery[]

Appearances[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: OdysseyArgolis: "Mycenae"
  2. Discovery Tour: Ancient GreeceMycenae: "Grave Circle"
  3. Discovery Tour: Ancient GreeceMycenae: "The Lion Gate"
  4. Discovery Tour: Ancient GreeceMycenae: "Megaron Palace"
  5. Assassin's Creed: OdysseyA Treasury of Legends
  6. 6.0 6.1 Discovery Tour: Ancient GreeceArgolis: "Foundation of the Site"
  7. Discovery Tour: Ancient GreeceMycenae: "Habitations"
  8. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
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