Grave stelai from Grave Circle A, Mycenae, Funerary stone markers in Grave Circle A at Mycenae, Greece
The grave stelai in Grave Circle A at Mycenae are upright stones carved with relief scenes featuring horses, chariots, and weapons. The markers originally stood over the burial sites of nineteen individuals to mark their resting places.
These stelai date to the Late Bronze Age between 1600 and 1500 BCE, when Mycenaean elites held considerable power in the Aegean. They were buried with rich grave goods, demonstrating the wealth and prominence of these individuals.
The carved stones show scenes from Mycenaean life, especially chariots and hunting, that reflect the status and power of those buried here. These images reveal what mattered to this society and how they saw themselves.
The stelai are located within the excavation site and can be viewed during opening hours, often displayed alongside other finds from the burial circle. Reading a bit about Mycenaean culture beforehand helps you understand the relief scenes better.
The exact meaning of the different relief scenes is still researched and debated by scholars today. What is shown on the stones continues to help researchers understand Mycenaean warfare and daily life.
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