Grave Circle B, Mycenae, Royal cemetery in Mycenae, Greece
Grave Circle B is an ancient burial ground in Mycenae containing 26 graves arranged within a circular stone wall 28 meters across and 1.55 meters thick. The site holds 14 shaft graves and 12 cist graves distributed in an irregular pattern.
This burial ground dates to 1700-1600 BCE and reflects early Mycenaean burial practices from that era. Archaeologists discovered and excavated the graves between 1951 and 1954, revealing key information about this ancient civilization.
Men buried here were placed with bronze weapons and dining vessels, while women received jewelry and ornaments in their tombs. These differences reveal how Mycenaean society organized roles and status between genders.
The site sits 117 meters west of the Lion Gate and is easily reached on foot from the main entrance. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground between the graves is uneven and requires careful footing.
Analysis of skeletal remains reveals that the deceased were related to each other through family connections. Several male skeletons show healed injuries to their heads and spines, suggesting they experienced combat.
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