Grave Circle A, Mycenae

Grave Circle A sits within the fortification walls of Mycenae and contains six shaft graves surrounded by vertical stone slabs and two concentric rings of upright markers. The tombs extend several meters into the ground and are cut into the bedrock, with each chamber holding space for multiple burials.

Heinrich Schliemann excavated the site in 1876 and found numerous gold objects and masks from the 16th century before our era. The burials took place over several generations before the citadel expanded in the 13th century before our era, enclosing the cemetery within the new walls.

The circular enclosure with upright slabs shows how the community buried its leaders, honoring them with jewelry, weapons, and gilded face coverings. Visitors today can still see the structure of the shaft tombs where the deceased rested with their belongings.

The site sits near the Lion Gate and is easy to reach via the main path through the fortress. The stone slabs are low, allowing visitors to view the entire enclosure without climbing steps.

The excavation yielded more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of gold, including a mask that Schliemann mistakenly attributed to Agamemnon. The double stone rings were built only after the burials to mark the spot for future generations.

Location: Argos-Mykines Municipality

Part of: Mycenae

GPS coordinates: 37.73047,22.75641

Latest update: December 22, 2025 16:49