Mycenae is the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. After the collapse of the palatial system the hill was sparsely inhabited until the Hel period. Scanty PG settlement remains have been identified inside and around the citadel, whereas several graves of children and adults discovered in the same area seem to confirm that the site was occupied during this period but probably on a smaller scale compared with other PG sites in the Argolid. During the G period it appears that the citadel was used primarily for cult purposes and the settlement extended in the plain surrounding it.

Records

• 1952-1955: Systematic Excavation by N. Verdelis (Greek Archaeological Service)
  
• 1952-1955: Systematic Excavation by I. Papadimitriou & G. Mylonas (Greek Archaeological Society)
  
• 1969-1974: Systematic Excavation by G. Mylonas & S. Iakovidis (Greek Archaeological Society)
  

References: Primary

• Foley, A., 1988. The Argolid 800-600 B.C. An archaeological survey together with an index of sites from the Neolithic to the Roman period, Göteborg: 23–33
• Foley, A., 1988. The Argolid 800-600 B.C. An archaeological survey together with an index of sites from the Neolithic to the Roman period, Göteborg: 188–191

References: Secondary

• French, E.B., 2011. Well Built Mycenae. The Post-Palatial Levels, Oxford:
• Philippa-Touchais, A., 2011. "Cycles of collapse in Greek Prehistory": reassessing social change at the beginning of the Middle Helladic and the Early Iron Age, in A. Mazarakis Ainian (ed.), The “Dark Ages” Revisited. Acts of an International Symposium in Memory of William D.E. Coulson, University of Thessaly, Volos, 14-17.06.2007, Volos: 36

Written Sources

• Pausanias 2.15.4