Archaeology can help historians understand past events better, as old maps can help archaeologists identify ancient sites. Without the work of archaeologists who excavated the sites of Mycenae, Hisarlik and Turkey, this map of the ancient towns of Mycenae or Troy, leading belligerents in the Trojan War, would be almost impossible to build (the site of ancient Troy). The archaeological site of Mycenae came under Greek archaeological society’s jurisdiction in 1837. In 1841, its representative, Kyriakos Pittakis, the Greek archaeologist, cleared the Lion door. The first diggings in Mycenae were made in 1874 by Heinrich Schliemann, a pioneer in the archaeology, and five tombs at Grave Circle A were uncovered(World History Encyclopedia). Several archaeologists continued excavating the palace and cemeteries in the late 1800s and early 1900s (National Geographic Society). In the 1950s, the excavations at Circle B and outside the Cyclopean walls were completed by George Mylonas of the Greek Archaeological Society. The Clytemn Tomb was restored around the same time by members of society. Like other Mycenaean citadels, including Tiryns and Pylos, the central feature of Mycenae is a large central hall called the Megaron, composed of a porch, a vestibule, and the main chamber. The main chamber of the Megaron was a long rectangular room with a fireplace in the centre surrounded by four roof columns. A raised platform for the king’s throne was on the right of the house. A megaron has an irregular complex, including offices, archives, sanctuaries, walkways, storerooms, storerooms and petroleum pressrooms, all surrounding the Megaron.
Following the Trojan War, the Mycenaean civilization collapsed. According to legend, the Mycenaeans battle Troy because the Trojan Prince Paris abducted Helen, the Greek King Menelaus’s beautiful wife. Menelaus persuaded his Mycenae brother Agamemnon to assault Troy and get Helen back to Greece (Kessel 1). It’s unclear if Helen was abducted or voluntarily joined Paris. The cause of the war has also remained a mystery throughout history. Agamemnon has led a fleet of a thousand ships from the Greek Islands to Asia Minor through the Aegean Sea. He requested Helen’s return from King Priam of Troy when he arrived in Troy. The Trojan Horse is a popular story from the war.
Works Cited
Kessel, P L. “Map of the Trojan War States, C. 1200 BCE.” World History Encyclopedia.
National Geographic Society. “Archaeology.” National Geographic Society, 2011.