Recently, an ancient 3,300 year old Greek Mycenaean tomb was unearthed in Amfissa, located in central Greece, during an irrigation project that required excavation in that area. Amazingly, it is the first of it’s kind that was ever found in this region of West Locris.
The Mycenaean civilization emerged in Greece around 1600 BC, when, in mainland Greece, Helladic culture in started to change under influences from Minoan Crete. It’s name comes from the archaeological site of Mycenae in Argolis, Peloponnese, southern Greece. Unlike the Minoans, whose society mainly benefited from trade, the Mycenaeans advanced through conquest and their civilization was dominated by a warrior aristocracy. Then, around 1400 BC, the Mycenaeans extended their control to Crete.
The Mycenaean civilization perished around 1100 BC with the collapse of the Bronze-Age civilization in the eastern Mediterranean, (usually attributed to the Dorian invasion), although alternative theories also propose natural disasters and climatic changes.
According to the preliminary archaeological study of the findings, the tomb was used for more than two centuries, from the 13th to the 11th century B.C.
Archaeologists have found a large amount of skeletal material which had accumulated near the surrounding walls, while a few better preserved burials were also uncovered.
What’s even more, is the excavation revealed forty-four vases with painted decorations, two other bronze fragmented vases, as well as gold rings, brass buttons, fragments of semi precious stones, two bronze daggers, female and animal figurines, and a large number of seals with animal, plant and linear patterns within the tomb.
The full scientific research regarding this recent ancient finding will be made by a team of archaeologists and it is expected to provide new information about the archaeological and historical development of Central Greece.
Reference and photo credit:
http://www.lamiastar.gr/index.php/topika-nea/fokida/55835-asylitos-mykinaikos-tafos-stin-amfissa-monadikes-fotografies-apo-ta-evrimata-kai-to-mouseio-delfon-video
