Mycenaean culture
Noun The late Bronze Age civilization centered at Mycenae in mainland Greece, which flourished from approximately 1400 to 1100 BC. It is characterized by its palatial centers, use of the Linear B script for record-keeping in an early form of Greek, monumental architecture (including tholos tombs and cyclopean walls), and a warrior-oriented society depicted in its art and later Greek epic poetry.
The term is used as a proper noun to refer to this specific archaeological and historical period and society. * The discovery of gold death masks at grave sites is a famous feature of Mycenaean culture. * Scholars study Mycenaean culture to understand the precursors to classical Greek civilization. * The collapse of Mycenaean culture around 1100 BC led to a period often called the Greek Dark Ages.
- The term is often used in contrast to the preceding Minoan culture of Crete, which it influenced and eventually superseded in the Aegean region.
- In archaeology, "Mycenaean" can function adjectivally (e.g., Mycenaean pottery, Mycenaean palace), but the noun phrase "Mycenaean culture" specifically denotes the entire civilization.
- Mycenaean (adj): Of or relating to Mycenae or its Bronze Age culture. (e.g., Mycenaean artifacts).
- Mycenae (n): The major archaeological site in the Peloponnese, Greece, which gave its name to the culture.
- Helladic: A broader archaeological term for the Bronze Age cultures of mainland Greece, with "Late Helladic" being roughly synonymous with the Mycenaean period.
- Late Helladic civilization: A more technical, archaeological synonym.
- Mycenaean civilization: Used interchangeably with "Mycenaean culture."
- Linear B: The syllabic script used by the Mycenaean culture for administrative purposes.
- Palace economy: The centralized, bureaucratic economic system characteristic of Mycenaean culture.
- Trojan War: The legendary conflict, as told in Homer's , is traditionally set in the late period of Mycenaean culture.
- the late bronze-age culture of Mycenae that flourished 1400-1100 BC