What is mycenaean citadels?

Mycenaean citadels were fortified hilltop settlements that served as the center of political, economic, and religious activities during the Mycenaean civilization (1600-1100 BCE) in ancient Greece. They were large, walled, and enclosed spaces that provided security from external threats and facilitated the control of their surrounding territories.

The Mycenaean citadels were typically built on high hills or mountains and surrounded by massive walls, often composed of large blocks of stone. The walls were sometimes reinforced with towers and bastions to provide additional defensive capabilities. The entrances were typically limited to a single sturdy gate, which could be closed off in times of danger.

Inside the citadels were typically a mix of public buildings, such as palaces and temples, and private dwellings for the ruling elite. The palaces were the largest and most elaborate buildings, consisting of multiple courtyards, reception halls, throne rooms, and living quarters for the king and his family. Some of the more famous citadels include Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos.

The Mycenaean citadels were also centers of trade and commerce, with a bustling market for goods such as pottery, metalwork, and textiles. They were also important religious centers, with temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

The decline of the Mycenaean civilization was marked by the destruction of many of its citadels, often attributed to invasions by the sea-faring Dorians. This period of destruction and chaos eventually gave way to the Classical period of Greece, which saw the rise of new city-states and the development of new architectural styles.