Mycenaean Civilization

The first English edition of a complete introduction to Mycenaean life and archaeology by one of Greece's most distinguished archaeologists.

Dora Vassilikou (Author), Doniert Evely (Translated by), Colin MacDonald (Translated by), Yannis Galanakis (Foreword by)

9781009493123, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 December 2025

744 pages, 50 b/w illus. 290 colour illus. 20 maps
28 x 19 x 3.8 cm, 1.237 kg

The Bronze Age of Greece was unknown until the end of the 19th century, when Heinrich Schliemann's excavations stunned the world by bringing to light the glamour of Mycenaean elite society. This book, by one of Greece's most distinguished archaeologists, provides a complete introduction to Mycenaean life and archaeology. Through both chronological and thematic chapters, it examines the main Mycenaean centres, the palaces and kingship, the social structure, writing, religion and its political implications, and the contacts and relations of the Mycenaeans with neighbouring countries, especially Asia Minor, Egypt, the coast of Syria-Palestine and Italy. Attention is paid to the distinctive Mycenaean art, including monumental architecture, gold and silver metalwork and jewellery, and the book is supported by over 300 illustrations. Dora Vassilikou concludes by examining the simultaneous catastrophes that brought the Bronze Age of the Eastern Aegean to its end and opened up a new era.

Foreword by Yannis Galanakis
1. The Bronze Age Civilization of Greece
2. The Late Helladic I Period (LH I 1650/1600–1500 BC)
3. The Late Helladic II Period (LH II 1500–1400 BC)
4. The Late Helladic III Period (LH III 1400–1050 BC)
5. Pottery (1600–1050 BC)
6. Writing
7. Religion
8. The Mycenaean World (1400–1200 BC)
9. The End of the Mycenaean Civilization
10. Mycenaean Greece in Homer
Chronological Chart

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK]