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The Mycenaeans and Homer
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The first Greeks were called the Mycenaeans. They ruled southern Greece from 1600 to 1200 BC Mycenae was their most important city. The Mycenaeans were warriors who set out from their fortified cities for the Mediterranean, looking for metals such as copper, tin, and gold. Their civilisation collapsed around 1200 BC Their adventures were told by the poet Homer in his poems the Iliad and the Odyssey.
(A) CITADEL
Mycenaean chiefs lived in fortified hilltop citadels. Each chieftain controlled the land around this, and traded its produce, pottery, and weapons. The chieftains would join together to carry out raids overseas.
(B) PALACE
Each citadel had a brightly painted palace. Its largest room was a central hall. Here the chieftain met visitors and feasted with other warriors.
(C) THE LION GATE
The Mycenaeans were fine craftsmen of stone. The lion gate at Mycenae still stands after more than 3,000 years.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Greeks
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Section:
Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
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Chapter:
The Mycenaeans and Homer
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