Fortifications of Mycenae

It was first excavated by Heinrich and Sophia Schliemann in the 1870s and is believed to have flourished in the Mid- to Late Bronze Age.

With the citadel built on a cliff, the architects created protection not only for the upper class that lived within the walls, but the lower-class farmers in the surrounding areas, who could find refuge there in times of war.

Due to high competition in the Mid to Late Bronze Age, the citadel wall expanded significantly with the inclusion of Grave Circle A and the addition of the Lion Gate.

Warriors of the period, traditionally, held their shields on their left arm and their weapons in their right hand, which is displayed in pieces from the time, including a gold ring with a battle scene.

[1] When Greeks later discovered these fortifications, they believed them to be the work of the Cyclopes, due to the size and weight of these stones, too heavy to be lifted by an average human.

The fortifications of Mycenae
Lion Gate and example of Cyclopean masonry at Mycenae
Mycenaean gold ring, from Grave circle, depicting a battle scene and demonstrating that warriors, traditionally, held weapons in their right hand. Which meant a shield would be held on their left arm.