Mycenae: A Journey in the World of Agamemnon

by Άλκηστις Παπαδημητρίου, Alkestis Papadimitriou, Έλση Σπαθάρη

Mycenae, in the north-eastern corner of the plain of Argos in Greece, built atop a natural stronghold, became the preeminent centre of the advanced culture that dominated mainland Greece from the C16th BC to the C12th BC. That advanced culture was named after this location―the Mycenaean civilization. This new book, lavishly illustrated in full colour throughout, offers a full picture of the archaeological site of Mycenae and its local museum, and describes the basic cultural expressions of the Mycenaean world. Concise texts, colour pictures and original photographic compositions highlight the imposing walls and buildings of the acropolis, the tombs of the Mycenaean rulers, and the museum exhibits, all of which represent various aspects of life and death in the Mycenaean world. Items described and illustrated range from wall-paintings, vases and idols to weapons and precious works of art in gold and ivory. In addition, the book offers an overview of Mycenae through the centuries, beyond Prehistory, until modern times and the excavations at the site. The presentation of the exhibits in the book follows the arrangement of the museum at Mycenae. At the same time, the reader will have the opportunity of an overall view of the achievements of the Mycenaean era, not only of those housed in the Mycenae Museum, but also of all those that vividly reflect the wealth and splendour of this culture. Colour illustrations throughout English language edition

Genres: History

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2020

Reviews

[Annika Unterberger]

I read this as research for a presentation I had to hold this semester on Myencae in the palatial to early geometric period and for that it was very helpful.

The book is organised very well as it begins with a history of the excavations at the site before going over to the palatial period where it all the individual houses inside and outside the acropolis, the burial sites and the living practices are discussed. In the end the authors Alkestis Papadimitriou and Esli Spathari also mention the post-palatial period up to the historic times. A great emphasis is laid on the site museum at Mycenae as well. Throughout the whole book a lot of pictures are scattered which help the reader picture the Mycenae of lost times.