The Mycenae, the palace of the legendary Agamemnon is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Peloponnese. The position of the citadel of Mycenae was privileged and strategic. Naturally and artificially fortified, it not only supervises the entire Argolid plain but it also controls all the passages leading out of the Argolid. Thanks to this privileged position the Mycenaeans had under their control the trade with the southern Greece, Asia Minor, Cyprus and Egypt. As we are informed by Homer in the Iliad, the ruler of Mycenae dominated the Corinthia, Achaia, and of the many islands of the Aegean. He was commander in the campaign of Troy having 100 ships. Although small parts of the citadel had been excavated earlier, the fate chose Heinrich Schliemann to have the honor and glory to bring back the Mycenae in the center of global interest (1874-1876). He was followed a number of brilliant scientists. The excavations of the palace and the surrounding region continue until today. The Mycenaean hill is situated at an altitude of approximately 280 meters above sea level. An area of 30 acres is surrounded by cyclopean walls, which are following the natural formation of the hill. The average wall thickness is 5.20 meters, while the original height is estimated at twelve meters. The greatest extension is built with irregular and rough stones placed without any order. The gaps formed between the blocks were filled with smaller stones and clay.
To visit the citadel, enter at the main entrance located at the NE corner of the enclosure walls, the Gate of Lions. It consists of four blocks of stone, the threshold, the two doorposts and the lintel. The lintel weighs about 20 tons and just above it there is a triangular space, the relieving triangle, covered by the triangular embossed with heraldic figures of two lions. The lions are placed on either side of a small column, which rests on two biconcave altars. The terrain has been interpreted as the royal crest of Mycenae and dates to the mid-13th century BC .Situated just past the gate and before proceeding to the uphill road to the palace on our right we see the ruins of a building, probably a barn, that touches the wall. The building was destroyed by fire at the end of 12 century BC
The palace of Mycenae occupies the highest point of the hill and is now accessible from the NW corner. The official entrance to the palace though was the large staircase on the south side. The visit in the space of Mycenae, however, is by no way complete without a closer look the domed tomb of Atreas. It represents the most imposing of the 9 vaulted tombs have been found peripherals citadel and immediately left the road leading to the site.
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