Showing posts with label Lion's Gate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lion's Gate. Show all posts

Saturday, February 14, 2009

The citadel of Mycenae


Archaeological / historical sites require that the visitor be well equipped: a hat to protect from the hot sunrays, strong shoes to help with the climbing of hills and the wandering among ruins, a bottle of water etc.. Well, I usually defied the rules. I liked to feel feminine, light as a feather, free of any attached accessories. Surprisingly, the tours in Greece and in some other countries were quite successful and no harm was done to me. I enjoyed every moment and overcame any challenge with no special effort.


Mycenae was one of those challenging places: no shade, steep climb, ruins etc...

The culture of Mycenae ( site located on the plain of Argolis) is the source of famous ancient epics and legends such as the Troyan War, and the tragic death of Agammemnon (murdered by his wife & her lover upon return from the Troyan War ). Mycenae is famous for the tombs of royal families. One enters the site through The Lion Gate (at the top of the gate-carved in stone, are two lions standing at a column and facing each other). Once passed the gate , one stands before shaft and circle graves. Nearby - a vaulted tomb (the tomb of Agamemnon).


Ruins at Mycenae

Ancient site on a rocky hill

The Lion Gate to it stands still
Here tombs and houses were uncovered
Grave shafts and treasures discovered.

Many come to this mystical place

To see the circle A and circle B graves
And the vaulted Agamemnon Tomb
Also, the Treasury of Artreus called


Circling the graves


The entrance to the dark Agamemnon Tomb