Publications
Discoveries in the Field
The Mycenaean Foundation is excited to share the latest discoveries from our ongoing archaeological efforts at Mycenae. These findings not only deepen our understanding of Mycenaean civilization but also highlight the collaborative spirit of our research teams. Each excavation at Mycenae is a journey into the past, offering tangible connections to ancient cultures and societies. The artifacts we unearth—ranging from pottery and tools to structural remains—provide invaluable insights into the daily lives, practices, and interactions of the people who once inhabited this remarkable site.
Our discoveries play a crucial role in guiding our excavation efforts, informing future research directions, and enhancing our understanding of the site’s layout and historical context. This iterative process of discovery and analysis fosters an environment of curiosity and innovation, driving the evolution of archaeological methodology. Furthermore, the significance of our findings extends beyond archaeology; they contribute to a broader understanding of historical sciences, integrating fields such as geology, anthropology, and environmental science. The analysis of ancient seeds and animal bones, for instance, sheds light on agricultural practices and economic systems in Mycenaean society.
Collaboration among our diverse research teams is fundamental to our progress, as experts from various disciplines share ideas and methodologies, enriching the quality of our work. By disseminating our findings through publications, conferences, and public outreach, we engage a wider audience in the importance of archaeological research, raising awareness of cultural heritage and the need for preservation.
In summary, the discoveries at Mycenae are vital to advancing our knowledge of the Mycenaean civilization and have far-reaching implications for the fields of archaeology and science. As we continue our excavation efforts, we remain committed to uncovering the past, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the advancement of research. Each discovery not only enriches our historical narrative but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human civilization.
Excavations Inside the Citadel (2002-2008)
From 2002 to 2008, our excavations within the citadel unveiled an entire building (Building K), revealing hundreds of significant artifacts. These findings are detailed further on our citadel excavation page, with a final publication currently in progress.
Remote Sensing Survey (2003-Present)
In 2003, we initiated a systematic remote-sensing survey in collaboration with Dickinson College, INSTAP, and the University of Thessaloniki. This comprehensive geophysical survey utilized advanced techniques, including ground-penetrating radar, geomagnetometry, electrical resistivity, and satellite/aerial photography, to map the buried structures surrounding the citadel and to create a 3D digital model of the Lower Town of Mycenae. Preliminary findings from this survey have been published in professional journals and presented at international conferences. We are currently finalizing the first volume of our findings, which is in press.
Thanks to a generous grant from Ch. and M. Case, J. Wagman, and the Dickinson College Roberts Fund, we have expropriated four acres of the most promising surveyed land for further investigation.
Excavation of the Lower Town (2007-2013)
Between 2007 and 2013, we conducted the systematic excavation of the Lower Town of Mycenae—the first excavation of a Mycenaean urban center of this scale. Under the auspices of the Archaeological Society of Athens and in collaboration with INSTAP and the University of Thessaloniki, we discovered an extensive settlement outside the citadel, featuring an outer fortification wall with gates. This area also revealed structures from the Early Iron Age (including PG/G houses, workshops, silos, and graves) and the Archaic period. For the first time, we established a continuous, well-stratified occupation of Mycenae from the 13th to the 6th century BC.
These findings provide compelling evidence of the sustained presence in Mycenae following the decline of the palatial center, illuminating the post-Mycenaean transition in the Early Iron Age Argolid and emphasizing the region’s cultural continuity. Our research into the town’s layout, borders, and modified landscape has significantly altered our understanding of Mycenae’s topography and the interplay between the town and palace, ancient economy, and environment. Preliminary results have been published in professional journals and presented at conferences, with the final publication (Volume II) currently in progress. More details can be found on our Lower Town excavation page.
The Throne of Mycenae (2014)
In 2014, the discovery of a large stone fragment of the Mycenaean royal throne in the dry riverbed of Chavos, located just below the palace of Mycenae, captured significant academic and public attention. This remarkable find is the only known throne from a Mycenaean palace found on mainland Greece, making its archaeological and symbolic value extraordinary.
Interdisciplinary studies have securely identified this throne as belonging to the last phase of the Mycenaean palace (1250-1200 BC), supported by diverse evidence, including archaeological, morphological, geological, and literary sources. The throne has emerged as one of the most splendid artifacts of Mycenaean civilization, garnering widespread media coverage, including an international press conference attended by 80 newspapers, TV channels, and electronic media. The findings were also shared at an open public lecture in Athens and various international conferences, with a final publication forthcoming.
The groundbreaking discoveries of the Lower Town and the royal throne, more than 130 years after Schliemann’s initial finds at Mycenae, continue to receive extensive attention in both professional and popular media. For the latest updates, visit our news page.
Greek State TV (ERT) Documentary: "A Modern Pausanias: Unveiling Mycenae's Ancient Heritage"
The Greek State TV (ERT) Documentary, titled “A Modern Pausanias,” offers an in-depth exploration of the Mycenae archaeological site, drawing inspiration from the ancient travel writings of Pausanias. This documentary provides viewers with a comprehensive overview of Mycenae’s historical significance, architectural marvels, and the ongoing excavations that continue to reveal its rich past.
Chinese State TV Documentary: "Ancient Greece: The Cultural Legacy of Mycenae"
The Chinese State TV Documentary, “Ancient Greece,” delves into the cultural and historical aspects of ancient Greek civilization, with a particular focus on Mycenae. Through expert interviews and on-site footage, the documentary highlights the importance of Mycenae in the broader context of Greek history and its influence on subsequent civilizations.
History Channel/Providence Pictures Documentary: "The True Story of Troy: Mycenae's Role in the Legendary Epic"
The History Channel/Providence Pictures Documentary, “The True Story of Troy,” investigates the historical basis of the legendary Trojan War, featuring significant insights into Mycenae. The documentary examines archaeological findings and historical records to uncover the truths behind the myths, offering a nuanced perspective on the events that may have inspired Homer’s epic tales.
The 'Throne of Agamemnon' – The Archaeological Discovery and Identification of the Royal Throne of Mycenae - This video was published on April 26, 2016.
The video titled “The ‘Throne of Agamemnon’ – The Archaeological Discovery and Identification of the Royal Throne of Mycenae” features an insightful interview with Professor Christofilis Maggidis, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College and President of the Mycenaean Foundation. In this interview, Professor Maggidis discusses the significant archaeological discovery of a limestone fragment found in the Chavos riverbed beneath the citadel of Mycenae in 2014. He presents compelling evidence supporting the identification of this fragment as part of the royal throne from the Mycenaean palace, potentially marking it as the first such throne discovered on mainland Greece.
The interview delves into the methodologies employed in analyzing the throne fragment, including geological examinations, comparative studies with similar artifacts, and assessments of the archaeological context. Professor Maggidis emphasizes the importance of this discovery in shedding light on the architectural and political structures of Mycenaean society and reinforcing the idea of cultural continuity in ancient Greece.
Interview with Professor Christofilis Maggidis: The Discovery of the "Throne of Agamemnon"
In a compelling interview featured on the Maggidis Archaeology Channel, Professor Christofilis Maggidis, an Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College and President of the Mycenaean Foundation, discusses the significant archaeological discovery of what is believed to be the “Throne of Agamemnon.” This insightful interview was recorded in June 2016 and highlights the importance of the find in understanding Mycenaean civilization.
During the interview, Professor Maggidis elaborates on the discovery of a limestone fragment found in the Chavos riverbed beneath the ancient citadel of Mycenae in 2014. He presents compelling evidence supporting the identification of this fragment as part of the royal throne from the Mycenaean palace. If confirmed, this discovery would represent the first such throne found on mainland Greece, marking a significant milestone in the study of ancient Greek history.
Professor Maggidis discusses the meticulous methodologies used to analyze the throne fragment, which include geological examinations, comparative studies with similar artifacts, and assessments of the archaeological context. He emphasizes the importance of this discovery in shedding light on the architectural and political structures of Mycenaean society and reinforcing the idea of cultural continuity in ancient Greece.
The interview serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts interested in archaeology and the ancient world. It provides a detailed account of the significance of the throne discovery and its implications for understanding Mycenaean history and culture.
‘The Throne of Agamemnon’ – the archaeological discovery and identification of the royal throne of Mycenae (Thursday June 16, 2016, 7:00 pm, Theocharakis Foundation, V. Sofias 6, Athens)
Interview with Professor Christofilis Maggidis: The Discovery of the "Throne of Agamemnon"
In a captivating interview hosted on the Maggidis Archaeology Channel, Professor Christofilis Maggidis, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College and President of the Mycenaean Foundation, delves into the significant archaeological discovery of what is believed to be the “Throne of Agamemnon.” This interview, recorded in June 2016, provides an insightful exploration of the find’s implications for the study of Mycenaean civilization.
Professor Maggidis elaborates on the discovery of a limestone fragment unearthed in 2014 from the Chavos riverbed, located beneath the ancient citadel of Mycenae. He presents compelling evidence that supports the identification of this artifact as part of the royal throne of the Mycenaean palace. If confirmed, this throne would be the first of its kind found on mainland Greece, marking a significant milestone in archaeological research.
In the interview, Professor Maggidis outlines the rigorous methodologies employed in analyzing the throne fragment, including geological examinations, comparative studies with similar artifacts, and assessments of the archaeological context. His insights highlight the importance of this discovery not only in understanding the architectural and political structures of Mycenaean society but also in reinforcing cultural continuity in ancient Greece.
The interview serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a detailed account of the significance of the throne discovery and its implications for the broader understanding of Mycenaean history. For those interested in this groundbreaking discovery, the full interview is available for viewing here:
Unveiling the "Throne of Agamemnon": A Landmark Discovery or a Controversial Claim?
On June 14, 2016, an international press conference was held at the Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ΕΣΗΕΑ) in Athens to announce a significant archaeological finding: the potential discovery of the royal throne of Mycenae, often referred to as the “Throne of Agamemnon.” The event was led by Professor Christofilis Maggidis, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College and President of the Mycenaean Foundation.
During the conference, Professor Maggidis presented evidence supporting the identification of a worked limestone block, unearthed two years prior in a streambed beneath the Mycenaean citadel, as a fragment of the ancient throne. He proposed that the throne had collapsed during an earthquake around 1200 B.C., leading to its deposition in the streambed. This claim, if validated, would mark the first discovery of a Mycenaean royal throne on mainland Greece.
The announcement garnered extensive coverage from both national and international media outlets, including the Athenian/Macedonian Press Agency, Associated Press, CNN Greece, ERT, MEGA, STAR, TheTOC, ANT1, ΠΡΩΤΟ ΘΕΜΑ, REALNEWS, Το ΒΗΜΑ, ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, ΗΜΕΡΗΣΙΑ, Εφημερίδα Συντακτών, ΕΘΝΟΣ, ΑΥΓΗ, The Times, Daily Mail, New York Post, Fox News, National Post, Left.gr, News.gr, In.gr, iefimerida.gr, zougla.gr, mixanitouxronou.gr, Athina984.gr, Newsbeast.gr, LIFO, inews.gr, Directnews.gr, naftemporiki.gr, Αρχαιολογία, Popular Archaeology, Current World Archaeology, Ancient-Origins.net, Archaeology Magazine, Archaeology News Network, European Press Photo Agency, holidayshop.gr, South China Morning Post, Xinhuanet, Signs of the Times, The Japan Times, worldwidegreeks.com, NDTV, Iran Daily, Daily Sabah, NewsCaf, and Greek History Explorer.
Lecture Announcement: The ‘Throne of Agamemnon’ – A Groundbreaking Archaeological Discovery (2016)
In June 2016, a highly anticipated lecture titled “The ‘Throne of Agamemnon’ – The Archaeological Discovery and Identification of the Royal Throne of Mycenae” was delivered by Professor Christofilis Maggidis, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College, President of the Mycenaean Foundation, and Field Director of the Lower Town excavations at Mycenae.
The lecture took place on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at 7:00 PM at the Theocharakis Foundation, located at Vasilissis Sofias 9, Athens. This event provided a detailed presentation of the discovery, analysis, and significance of what is believed to be the royal throne of Mycenae, an artifact of immense historical and cultural importance. Professor Maggidis offered an in-depth examination of the archaeological evidence supporting the identification of this remarkable find, situating it within the broader context of Mycenaean civilization and Late Bronze Age Greece.
A formal reception followed the lecture, offering attendees the opportunity to discuss the findings and engage with scholars in the field.
For a selection of lecture and reception photos, please visit: http://goo.gl/6H8XFl (Code #7640).
This landmark event marked a significant moment in Aegean archaeology, drawing considerable academic and public interest in one of the most fascinating discoveries at Mycenae.
Lecture at the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation: "The Throne of Agamemnon" – A Groundbreaking Archaeological Discovery
On June 16, 2016, the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music hosted a compelling lecture by Professor Christofilis Maggidis, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College, President of the Mycenaean Foundation, and Field Director of the Lower Town excavations at Mycenae. The lecture, titled “The ‘Throne of Agamemnon’: The Archaeological Discovery and Identification of the Royal Throne of Mycenae,” presented a groundbreaking find that has sparked widespread academic and public interest.
During the event, Professor Maggidis unveiled evidence supporting the identification of a large limestone fragment discovered in 2014 in the Chavos riverbed, directly below the citadel of Mycenae. According to his research, this stone was once part of the royal throne from the Mycenaean palace, which collapsed around 1200 BC, possibly due to an earthquake. If confirmed, this would be the first known discovery of a Mycenaean throne on mainland Greece, making it an unparalleled archaeological revelation. The lecture delved into the scientific methods used to analyze the find, including comparative studies of throne structures from Minoan and Mycenaean contexts, geological examinations, and morphological assessments. Professor Maggidis argued that the artifact’s size, form, and wear patterns align with its function as a royal seat, further strengthening the case for its identification.
The event attracted a diverse audience of archaeologists, historians, students, and enthusiasts, fostering an engaging discussion about the implications of the discovery for Mycenaean studies. The lecture was followed by a reception, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss the findings further and reflect on the cultural and historical significance of Mycenae’s legacy. This discovery, although met with some academic skepticism, has reinvigorated interest in Mycenaean archaeology and continues to fuel debate and further research. Whether ultimately confirmed or not, the find has opened new avenues of exploration into the architectural and political landscapes of the Late Bronze Age Aegean.
The 'Throne of Agamemnon' in Venice: First Global Presentation at the Aegaeum Conference (2018)
The article, published on May 15, 2018, on Protothema.gr, reports on the first-ever presentation of the “Throne of Agamemnon” by archaeologist Professor Christofilis Maggidis. This groundbreaking announcement took place during the 17th International Aegean Conference (Aegaeum), which was held in April 2018 in Venice and Udine, Italy.
The conference, themed “Memory: The Past and Memory in the Bronze Age Aegean,” gathered over 150 archaeologists and specialists from around the world, making it one of the most significant academic events in Aegean prehistory. Professor Maggidis’ presentation attracted considerable attention, receiving positive feedback for its well-structured argumentation, interdisciplinary approach, and innovative interpretations. His research, supported by archaeological, geological, and historical evidence, aimed to establish the identity of a large stone fragment found in Mycenae’s Chavos riverbed as the throne of the final phase of the Mycenaean palace (1250-1200 BC).
This discovery holds immense historical and cultural significance, as it would be the only known throne from a Mycenaean palace ever discovered in mainland Greece. The presentation sparked international interest and reinforced discussions on Mycenaean royal authority, architectural elements, and the broader implications of such a find within the context of Late Bronze Age Aegean civilization.
3D Video of the Acropolis of Mycenae in Prehistoric Greece - This video was published on February 27, 2020.
The video titled “3D Video of the Acropolis of Mycenae in Prehistoric Greece” showcases a detailed digital reconstruction of the Mycenaean palace, highlighting its architectural grandeur and the throne room. This reconstruction is the result of collaborative efforts between the Mycenaean Foundation and Professor Nikolaos Lianos, an architecture professor at the Democritus University of Thrace. The project is based on archaeological findings from the excavations led by Professor Christofilis Maggidis, director of the Lower Town excavations at Mycenae.
The 3D model offers viewers an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the palace’s structure and gain insights into the daily life and governance of the Mycenaean civilization. Notably, the reconstruction includes the throne room, where a stone fragment recovered during excavations is believed to be part of the original throne used by Mycenaean rulers.
For a visual exploration of the Mycenae archaeological site, you might find the following 3D video tour insightful:
Professor Christofilis Maggidis: Speaker at the Aegean Bronze Age Seminar (2023)
In 2015, Professor Christofilis Maggidis was a keynote speaker at the second Aegean Bronze Age seminar hosted by the University of York. His presentation, titled “Mycenae: Excavation of the Lower Town (2001-2015) and the Discovery of the Palace Throne,” offered a comprehensive overview of the significant archaeological work conducted in the Lower Town of Mycenae over a span of 14 years. During his talk, Professor Maggidis highlighted the remarkable discoveries made during these excavations, including the identification of structures, artifacts, and the pivotal finding of the palace throne, which has profound implications for our understanding of Mycenaean society and culture.
Professor Maggidis is not only a respected archaeologist but also an esteemed academic. He previously held the Chr. Roberts Chair Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College and currently serves as a professor at The Institute of World Politics. With decades of experience as an active field archaeologist in Greece, his work has greatly advanced the field of Aegean archaeology. He is known for his dedication to uncovering and interpreting the rich historical context of the Mycenaean civilization.
In 2018, Professor Maggidis became the 5th President of the Mycenaean Foundation, an organization committed to the discovery, preservation, and education surrounding Mycenaean culture. Under his leadership, the Foundation continues to promote research initiatives and educational programs that foster a deeper appreciation for this ancient civilization.
For more information about Professor Maggidis and his academic contributions, you can visit his profile at The Institute of World Politics: Learn more about Professor Maggidis.
To explore the mission and ongoing work of the Mycenaean Foundation, please visit their official website: Discover the Mycenaean Foundation.