About The Lion Gate in Mycenae Archeological Site

The Lion Gate of Mycenae

The Lion Gate is the monumental main entrance to the fortified citadel of the Mycenae Archaeological Site in the Peloponnese. Built around 1250 BC, during the Late Bronze Age, it formed part of a major expansion of the Cyclopean fortifications surrounding the citadel.

The gate takes its name from the famous limestone relief positioned in the relieving triangle above the entrance. The relief depicts two lions facing a central column and is one of the most recognizable surviving symbols of Mycenaean civilization.

The Lion Gate is one of the most important surviving examples of monumental Mycenaean architecture and sculpture. Its enormous stone blocks, monumental lintel and sculpted relieving triangle demonstrate the engineering and artistic achievements of the Mycenaean builders.

The Lion Gate and the Cyclopean Walls

The Lion Gate was constructed during an important phase in the development of the Mycenaean citadel. The earliest major fortification wall at Mycenae was built around 1350 BC. Approximately a century later, the fortified area was expanded and the Lion Gate was constructed as the new monumental entrance to the citadel.

The massive fortification walls are known as Cyclopean Walls because later ancient Greeks believed that stones of such enormous size could only have been moved by the mythical Cyclopes.

Visitors entering through the Lion Gate followed the main route toward the palace and other important areas inside the fortified acropolis.

The Lion Gate in Ancient and Modern History

The Lion Gate was never completely lost from view. The Greek traveler and geographer Pausanias, writing in the 2nd century AD, described the fortifications and the famous lions at Mycenae.

After the establishment of the modern Greek state, archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis cleared the area around the Lion Gate in 1841 on behalf of the Archaeological Society at Athens.

In 1876, Heinrich Schliemann began his famous excavations at Mycenae, concentrating on Grave Circle A inside the citadel near the Lion Gate. His excavations uncovered rich royal burials dating several centuries earlier than the traditional period associated with the legendary King Agamemnon.

What Can You See Near the Lion Gate?

The Lion Gate stands close to several of the most important monuments within the Mycenae Archaeological Site, including Grave Circle A, the Cyclopean Walls, the Great Ramp, the remains of the palace, and the religious center of the citadel.

Outside the fortified acropolis, visitors can also see monumental Mycenaean tholos tombs, including the Treasury of Atreus, traditionally known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Visit the Lion Gate of Mycenae

See the Lion Gate, Cyclopean Walls, Treasury of Atreus, Archaeological Museum and other monuments of ancient Mycenae on our Mycenae & Nafplio Day Tour from Athens.