Why should a Historian Study Mycenean Society?

Essay by ElbatemitHigh School, 12th grade May 2006

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19/20 Recieved. Needed a more throughough conclusion. A year 12 Ancient History HSC essay.

The Mycenaean's were the first great civilisation of the Greek Mainland. 'Mycenaean' is the term that is applied to the society and culture of Greece, which spanned from around 1600 to 1100 BC. This societies name was derived from the site of Mycenae, which was located in the Peloponnes, where once stood a great Mycenaean fortified citadel. This citadel was the center of power and activity during the late Helladic period, and is also believed as being the seat of the famed King Agamemnon. However, there were many different citadels, all of which were independent, but still interacted with each other. These citadels were scattered across many locations of southern Greece, and these were what created the Mycenaean society.

During the Mycenaean period the Greek mainland experienced an era of prosperity, centered in citadels such ass Mycenae, Tiryns, Thebes and Athens.

Local workshops produced practical objects made of pottery and bronze. Luxury items were also produced, such as carved gems, vases made from precious metals, glass ornaments and jewellery. The Mycenaean's high level of interaction and contact with Minoan Crete played an influential role in the shaping and development of their culture, especially in creative areas such as the arts. The Mycenaean's also successfully circulated the goods they produced over a large area throughout the Mediterranean world, via trade and export.

Besides being successful and well - known traders, the Mycenaean's were fierce warriors and great engineers. They designed and built remarkable bridges, fortification walls, tombs and highly structured drainage and irrigation systems. Palace scribes also began to use a new script, which they had devised, Linear B, and this was used to record important events and information.

However, despite the many areas in which...