isgandar: Mycenaean “Lion Hunt” Burial Daggers found in grave-shaft IV at Mycenae’s Grave Circle AIn
isgandar: Mycenaean “Lion Hunt” Burial Daggers found in grave-shaft IV at Mycenae’s Grave Circle AIn 1876, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann began his excavation of Mycenae and ultimately uncovered critical artifacts pertaining to Greece’s Late Bronze Age. While Schliemann’s original intentions were to unearth the remains of Agamemnon and the time period of the Trojan War, the artifacts found in Grave Circle A date from the 16thcentury B.C.E. Many of these artifacts were laden with gold due to their burial significance.The “Lion Hunt” daggers were not used in actual warfare but held importance as decorative burial goods for powerful and wealthy Mycenaean citizens. The golden artwork on the three daggers reflects Minoan influence on Mycenaean in several ways. The main sword depicts a lion-hunting scene with four hunters attacking three lions. The middle sword simply depicts three lions running in stride, and the final sword has swirling elaborate golden patterns. In regards to artwork, Minoan influences include delicate creations, figure-of-eight shields, and the introduction of animal figures. Of the four hunters, two are wearing the Minoan inspired shields while the other two shields reflect a square Mycenaean pattern. It is important to note that while the influence was foreign, the works found in Grave Circle A are all of indigenous artistry. These Late Bronze Age daggers serve as vital examples linking the relationship between Minoan and Mycenaean society. -- source link