Lower Town
Survery & Excavation

Beyond the Walls of Agamemnon: Excavation of the Mycenae Lower Town (2007-2013)

The Mycenaean Foundation Lower Town Survey and Excavation at Mycenae (2007-2013) marked a groundbreaking exploration into the settlement beyond the famed citadel of Agamemnon. While earlier archaeological efforts concentrated on the palace and burial sites, this project expanded the scope to include the lower town, uncovering extensive urban structures, road networks, and evidence of daily life. The excavation aimed to deepen our understanding of Mycenaean town planning, economy, and societal organization, bridging the gap between the palace and its surrounding settlement. Furthermore, this initiative provided crucial insights into the daily lives of Mycenae’s inhabitants, revealing how they adapted to their environment, managed resources, and structured their community beyond the elite palatial center. By integrating advanced archaeological methods, including remote sensing and GIS mapping, the project has significantly expanded our knowledge of Mycenaean urbanism and its long-term development.

Field Research Aims and Significance

The systematic survey and excavation of the Lower Town at Mycenae have demonstrated continuous occupation from the 13th century BC through the Archaic period, affirming Mycenae’s significance beyond its palatial era. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of post-Mycenaean transitions, political decentralization, and economic shifts in the region.

Short-term goals of the project included mapping the extent of the settlement, excavating key structures, and preserving exposed remains at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Long-term objectives aim to provide a comprehensive picture of Mycenaean urban development, settlement expansion, and socio-political dynamics, particularly the interaction between the lower town and the palace.

The excavation has also enhanced chronological frameworks for Mycenaean ceramics, clarified destruction horizons, and illuminated trade networks. The study of portable artifacts, ecofacts, and soil micromorphology continues to offer valuable data on ancient economy, craft production, and environmental adaptation.

By revealing a vibrant urban center outside the citadel walls, the Lower Town excavation at Mycenae has reshaped our understanding of Mycenaean civilization, bridging the palace with the broader settlement and reinforcing Mycenae’s role as a dominant Bronze Age power.

Survey of the Lower Town

Prior to excavation, an extensive surface survey (1991-1993) and geophysical investigations (2003-2009) were conducted. Using advanced remote-sensing techniques, GIS mapping, and aerial reconnaissance, researchers identified numerous buried structures, including houses, tombs, roads, guard towers, bridges, and an outer fortification wall with three gates. The survey helped establish a comprehensive map of the lower town, providing a crucial foundation for subsequent excavation efforts.

The survey indicated two primary occupation layers: a smaller Geometric/Archaic settlement and a vast Mycenaean town covering approximately 30 hectares. This lower town, largely composed of domestic and commercial buildings, also featured larger structures that may have played roles in the palatial administration and economy. The discovery of extensive road networks and fortified structures suggests a well-organized settlement with a high degree of urban planning. Additionally, evidence of workshops and storage facilities indicates an economic infrastructure that extended beyond simple subsistence, highlighting Mycenae’s role as a production and trade hub.

Geoarchaeological studies of the Chavos area revealed significant environmental changes, including a riverbed that shaped Mycenaean urban planning. Retaining walls and water management systems were uncovered, illustrating the Mycenaeans’ sophisticated adaptation to their landscape. The presence of engineered drainage channels and constructed embankments suggests proactive efforts to control water flow, mitigate flood risks, and optimize land use. The collapse of these features in the post-Mycenaean period led to sediment accumulation, effectively sealing and preserving much of the earlier town. This natural stratification has provided archaeologists with an exceptional record of Mycenaean construction and land use, as well as valuable insights into the environmental factors that influenced the site’s evolution over time.

Excavation of the Lower Town

The systematic excavation of the Lower Town, conducted between 2007 and 2013, was a significant archaeological endeavor led by the Athens Archaeological Society, in collaboration with Dickinson College and the Institute for Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP). This project focused specifically on the South Sector, with particular emphasis on terraces I and II of the South-West Bank (SWB). The excavation efforts were preceded by a comprehensive geophysical survey that identified substantial buried structures beneath the surface, suggesting a rich archaeological context.

Among the key findings were remnants of houses, workshops, and an impressive outer fortification wall that measured approximately 5 meters in thickness. This wall was particularly noteworthy for its strategic importance, as it featured at least two gates. One of these gates was flanked by two imposing towers, which likely served as a defensive mechanism while also controlling access to the primary northbound road leading to the citadel. This configuration highlights the significance of the Lower Town as a vital part of the settlement’s defense system and trade routes.

As the excavation progressed, particularly in grid-squares D4 and E4, archaeologists uncovered evidence of a settlement characterized by distinct architectural orientations. Mycenaean buildings were systematically aligned along a north-south axis, parallel to the main road, reflecting the organized urban planning typical of Mycenaean society. In contrast, later structures exhibited a northwest-southeast orientation, suggesting a shift in architectural practices and possibly indicating changes in settlement patterns or influences from other cultures over time.

The excavation covered a total of twenty-nine grid squares, each measuring 5×5 meters, revealing a remarkably well-preserved section of the lower town. Many of the walls discovered during the excavation stood impressively up to 1.8 meters in height, providing valuable insights into the construction techniques and materials used during the Mycenaean period. The preservation of these structures allowed archaeologists to gain a deeper understanding of Mycenaean domestic life, including residential layouts, the organization of space within homes, and the presence of communal areas.

Furthermore, the findings shed light on the industrial activities that took place in the Lower Town, indicating that this area was not merely residential but also a hub of economic activity. Artifacts related to production and trade were unearthed, providing crucial evidence of the economic systems in place during the Mycenaean period. These artifacts included tools used in various crafts and evidence of trade goods, reflecting the complexity and sophistication of the society that inhabited the Lower Town.

Overall, the excavation of the Lower Town has significantly contributed to our understanding of Mycenaean civilization, revealing the interplay between domestic life, industry, and defense within this ancient settlement. The insights gained from this excavation continue to inform scholars about the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Mycenaean period, enriching our knowledge of this important chapter in ancient history.

Unearthing a Treasure Trove: Diverse Finds from the Lower Town Excavation

The excavation revealed an astonishing array of artifacts, showcasing the rich tapestry of life in the Lower Town. Among the treasures uncovered were:

  • Figurines and Jewelry: Fragments of Mycenaean, Orientalizing, and Archaic figurines, alongside exquisite jewelry like earrings, rings, and pendants.
  • Craft and Trade Goods: A variety of sealstones, coins, and intricate ivory objects highlighted the sophistication of trade and craftsmanship.
  • Tools and Weapons: Arrowheads, sling stones, flint and obsidian blades, as well as metal tools such as iron nails and chisels, indicated the technological advancements of the time.
  • Domestic Remnants: Clay loom weights, spools, and fragments of pottery, including Mycenaean and Geometric styles, provided insights into daily life and production.
  • Animal Remains: A wealth of animal bones revealed a diet rich in domesticated species like sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as wild game, suggesting full carcass processing on-site. Notably, remains of newborn children were also tentatively identified, hinting at possible disturbed burials.
  • Botanical Finds: Preliminary archaeobotanical analysis uncovered grape pips, olive stones, figs, and cereal grains, offering clues about ancient agricultural practices.

Every layer of soil excavated was meticulously sifted, with special attention given to uncontaminated contexts for detailed study. This systematic approach includes water-sieving and soil sampling for micromorphology and archaeobotanical analysis, promising to deepen our understanding of the ancient landscape and its spatial complexities. Ongoing studies on pottery and stone tools are set to reveal even more about the craftsmanship and daily life of this fascinating civilization.

The Hands Behind the Action

As we reflect on the incredible journey of the Lower Town excavation, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a vital role in this remarkable project. The success of this endeavor is a testament to your unwavering dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit.

To our skilled archaeologists and researchers, your expertise and meticulous attention to detail have unearthed a wealth of artifacts that illuminate the complexities of ancient life. Your tireless efforts in excavation, analysis, and documentation have laid the foundation for future discoveries and enhanced our understanding of the Mycenaean civilization.

A special thank you to the volunteers and students who brought enthusiasm and energy to the site. Your hard work, whether sifting soil, cataloging finds, or assisting in various tasks, has been invaluable. You’ve not only contributed to the excavation but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie that will be cherished for years to come.

To the support staff and local partners, your logistical and organizational expertise ensured that our work could proceed smoothly and efficiently. Your commitment to this project has made a lasting impact on our ability to carry out our research in such a meaningful way.

Finally, we extend our gratitude to the Athens Archaeological Society, Dickinson College, and INSTAP for their unwavering support and collaboration. Your commitment to archaeological research and education has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.

Together, we have not only uncovered physical remnants of the past but have also forged connections and shared experiences that will resonate in our memories. The discoveries made here are a reflection of our collective efforts and passion for understanding history.

Thank you all for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to this extraordinary excavation. We look forward to sharing the findings and continuing our journey together as we unravel the mysteries of the ancient world.