Grave Circle B, Mycenae, Royal cemetery in Mycenae, Greece
Grave Circle B is a Bronze Age burial ground in Mycenae made up of 26 graves arranged within a circular stone wall. It contains 14 shaft graves and 12 cist graves distributed across the enclosed area in an irregular pattern.
This burial ground dates to roughly 1700-1600 BCE and reflects early Mycenaean burial practices. Archaeologists uncovered the graves between 1951 and 1954, shedding light on one of the earliest phases of Mycenaean civilization.
Men buried here were placed with bronze weapons and drinking vessels, while women received jewelry and ornaments. These differences show how Mycenaean society divided roles and status between men and women.
The site is a short walk west of the Lion Gate and easy to reach from the main entrance of the archaeological area. The ground between the graves is uneven, so sturdy shoes make the visit more comfortable.
Analysis of the skeletal remains shows that many of the people buried here were related to one another, pointing to a family burial ground. Several male skeletons carry healed injuries to the head and spine, suggesting past combat.
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