History Summarized: Mycenaean Greece & the Bronze Age Collapse

Summary

In this engaging exploration of the Mycenaean civilization, we uncover the surprising connections between Homer’s myths and real-world archaeology. The story starts with the discovery of Troy in the 1870s, once considered mythical, and moves through Heinrich Schliemann’s significant finds, including treasures from Mycenae. The video delves into the origins, culture, and eventual collapse of the Mycenaean Greeks, touching on their adoption of Minoan influence, militaristic society, and grand palaces. By analyzing the Trojan War, the collapse of Bronze Age civilization, and the archaeological evidence, the video presents a captivating look at the fall of one of ancient Greece's greatest eras.

Takeaways

• 😀 Classical historians were surprised to discover the ancient city of Troy was real, contrary to the mythological beliefs of the time.
• 😀 Archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann uncovered multiple layers of settlement at Troy, revealing a long history of urban development.
• 😀 Schliemann also discovered significant treasures at Mycenae, including a famous golden death-mask, though his claims were dubious.
• 😀 Modern archaeology suggests that the Mycenaean civilization existed several centuries before the Trojan War, around 1600 BC.
• 😀 The Mycenaean civilization arose from Indo-European migrations and developed a distinct early Greek language.
• 😀 Mycenaeans were influenced by the Minoans of Crete, incorporating their architectural, artistic, and trade practices.
• 😀 Mycenaean palaces were designed for multiple functions, including administration, religion, and commerce, with a focus on monarchy and royal power.
• 😀 Mycenaeans were militaristic, building massive fortifications, including Cyclopean walls and fortified cisterns, likely due to external threats.
• 😀 The Minoan civilization collapsed in the 1400s BC, and the Mycenaeans took over Crete, adopting their writing and cultural practices.
• 😀 The collapse of the Mycenaean civilization in the 1200s BC, alongside Troy's destruction, may have been caused by factors like climate change, warfare, or trade disruptions.
• 😀 The Trojan War myth might be based on a real conflict over trade routes, with Mycenaeans attempting to conquer Troy as a last-ditch effort to save their crumbling civilization.

Q & A

Why did classical historians in the 1870s believe Troy was mythical?

Classical historians believed Troy was mythical because there was no concrete evidence of its existence. It was considered a fictional location, similar to the mythical Atlantis, created by Homer as a part of his epic tales about the Trojan War.

How did Heinrich Schliemann's discoveries challenge the belief that Troy was a myth?

Heinrich Schliemann's excavations in the 1870s, where he uncovered the ruins of Troy in Anatolia, revealed that the city was real. He found multiple layers of urban settlements, proving that Troy was not a mere legend but a historical city with a long history.

What did Schliemann find in Mycenae, and why was it significant?

Schliemann found a wealth of golden artifacts, including a famous gold death mask, in Mycenae. Although his claim that the mask belonged to Agamemnon was speculative, the findings were significant because they showed the richness of Mycenaean civilization and its connection to Homeric legends.

Why is it important that the treasure at Mycenae dates back to 1600 BC?

The dating of the treasure to 1600 BC is crucial because it places the wealth of Mycenaean civilization centuries before the supposed time of the Trojan War, highlighting the advanced and prosperous nature of the Mycenaean civilization long before the Classical Greek era.

How did the Mycenaeans interact with the Minoan civilization?

The Mycenaeans were heavily influenced by the Minoans, particularly in terms of art, architecture, and culture. Although the Mycenaeans had their own distinct language and customs, they adopted many Minoan practices, such as their architectural styles and pottery designs.

What role did the concept of monarchy play in Mycenaean society?

The Mycenaeans had a strong monarchy, as evidenced by their elaborate tombs and palaces. The central feature of their palaces was the Megaron, a throne room that symbolized the authority of the king. This is in contrast to the Minoan system, which lacked a similar royal structure.

What were the Mycenaean palaces like, and what did they reflect about the society?

Mycenaean palaces were large, centralized complexes designed to handle administration, religion, food storage, and commerce. They reflected the highly structured and hierarchical society, with a focus on wealth, power, and military strength.

Why did Mycenaean cities have massive fortifications and walls?

The massive fortifications and walls, such as the Cyclopean Walls of Mycenae, were built due to the constant threats and militaristic environment the Mycenaeans faced. These walls were meant to protect the cities from invasions, internal strife, and potential sieges.

What factors contributed to the collapse of Mycenaean civilization?

The collapse of Mycenaean civilization around 1200 BC is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including internal conflicts, climate change, invasions, and disruptions in trade networks. The Trojan War may have also played a role in weakening the Mycenaean power.

How might the Trojan War be linked to the collapse of Mycenaean civilization?

The Trojan War may have been a desperate attempt by the Mycenaeans to secure resources and stave off the collapse of their civilization. The war, coupled with other regional disruptions, could have triggered the downfall of Mycenaean society, contributing to the broader collapse of Bronze Age civilizations.