Lion Gate, Mycenae, c. 1300-1250 B.C.E.

Summary

In this video, Dr. Zucker and Dr. Harris explore Mycenae, a powerful Bronze Age citadel located in Greece, offering insights into its defensive features, architecture, and cultural significance. They discuss the impressive Cyclopean masonry, the iconic Lion Gate with its monumental sculpture, and its Minoan influences. The scholars delve into the symbolism of the gate’s animals, suggesting they may represent powerful guardians, possibly griffins, with connections to divinity and cultural unity. Their analysis highlights the advanced art and architecture of the Mycenaean civilization, providing a glimpse into the grandeur that would have struck visitors in 1250 BCE.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mycenae was a powerful citadel on a steep mountain, naturally defensible with views over a large valley leading to the Aegean Sea.
• 😀 The Mycenaean civilization thrived between 1600 and 1100 BCE, trading throughout the Mediterranean and becoming quite wealthy and powerful.
• 😀 Mycenae is characterized by Cyclopean masonry, with massive stones that were thought to be moved by mythical giants (Cyclops).
• 😀 The Lion Gate, a key architectural feature of Mycenae, employs a post-and-lintel construction method with a relief sculpture above it.
• 😀 The relief sculpture above the Lion Gate is the earliest monumental sculpture found on mainland Greece, often seen as the precursor to later Greek art.
• 😀 The two animals on the Lion Gate, possibly griffins, are shown with their forepaws on two altars and a central column, raising questions about symbolism and cultural influences.
• 😀 The column on the Lion Gate may represent divinity or kingship, and its design is reminiscent of Minoan architectural styles.
• 😀 The animals’ upright stance and muscular modeling suggest nobility and could symbolize the power of the king or divine protection of the city.
• 😀 The two altars beneath the animals might signify a union of two cultures, with the possibility of a blending of Mycenaean and Minoan traditions.
• 😀 The animals' forepaws resting on the altars and the presence of the column suggest themes of power, divine influence, and protection from enemies.
• 😀 The lack of written records leaves much of the interpretation speculative, but scholars use material and visual evidence to form educated guesses about the meanings behind the artwork and architecture.

Q & A

What is Mycenae, and why is it significant?

Mycenae is one of the great citadels of Mycenaean culture, located on the mainland of Greece. It was a powerful city-state during the Bronze Age (approximately 1600 to 1100 BCE) and was known for its wealth, power, and influence in Mediterranean trade.

What were some of the other cultures thriving during the Mycenaean period?

In addition to the Mycenaeans on the mainland, the Cycladic culture thrived on the Cycladic Islands, and the Minoan culture flourished on the island of Crete during the Bronze Age.

How is Mycenae naturally defended?

Mycenae is located on a steep mountain, making it naturally defensible. There are two larger mountains at the back and a valley leading to the Aegean Sea in front, which allowed for the detection of approaching enemies from a great distance.

What is Cyclopean masonry, and why is it significant at Mycenae?

Cyclopean masonry refers to the massive stones used in the construction of the walls at Mycenae, so large that it was believed only giants, like Cyclops, could have moved them. This method of construction is a defining feature of Mycenaean architecture.

What is the Lion Gate, and what makes it historically significant?

The Lion Gate is a famous entrance at Mycenae, featuring a monumental relief of two animals facing each other. It is significant as the earliest known monumental sculpture from mainland Greece and a precursor to the grand sculpture and architecture that would later define classical Greek art.

What architectural technique was used to build the Lion Gate, and what is its purpose?

The Lion Gate was built using the corbelling technique, where each successive layer of stones is slightly moved inward, creating a triangular space above the lintel. This technique was used to support the structure while allowing for a higher and stronger gate.

What might the animals on the Lion Gate represent?

The animals, likely lions or lionesses, are thought to represent guardians of the gate, possibly symbolizing power, strength, and protection. Their forepaws resting on altars and the presence of a column suggest possible religious or symbolic meanings.

Why is there a suggestion that the animals might have been griffins?

Some scholars hypothesize that the lost heads of the animals on the Lion Gate might have been bird heads, making them griffins. This idea is based on the dowel holes in the stone and the composite nature of the animals, which could mirror the composite materials used in the sculpture.

What is the significance of the column above the animals on the Lion Gate?

The column above the animals may represent divinity, as columns in ancient architecture sometimes symbolized deities. It could also symbolize the city or the king, reinforcing the idea of power and authority associated with Mycenae.

How do the lions on the Lion Gate reflect the power of the Mycenaean king?

The lions on the Lion Gate are depicted standing upright in a human-like pose, symbolizing nobility and power. This suggests that they may be reflecting the strength and authority of the king who resided within the walls of the citadel, emphasizing the connection between the rulers and divine or supernatural forces.