Mycenaean Kingdoms
Overview
The Mycenaean civilization dominates mainland Greece and parts of the Aegean in the Late Bronze Age. Named after Mycenae, the most powerful of the kingdoms, Mycenaean culture represents the Greek world of heroes and warrior-kings - this is the world of the stories that will later become the Iliad and Odyssey.
The Mycenaeans are not a unified empire but rather a collection of independent kingdoms that share language, culture, religion, and (sometimes) common cause.
Major Kingdoms
Mycenae
The greatest of the kingdoms, "rich in gold." The palace at Mycenae dominates the Argolid plain.
- The Lion Gate - Massive fortifications
- Shaft Graves - Legendary wealth
- Military power - Most powerful army in Greece
- Claims leadership among the Greek kingdoms (not always accepted)
Pylos
The palace of the "sandy Pylos" on the western coast.
- Well-documented - Extensive Linear B tablets survive
- Prosperous - Rich agricultural hinterland
- Trade-focused - Strong maritime connections
- Less militarized than Mycenae
Tiryns
Rival and neighbor to Mycenae.
- Massive walls - The Cyclopean masonry is legendary
- Military strength - Fortified palace
- Frequently in tension with Mycenae
Thebes
Kingdom in Boeotia, powerful and proud.
- Independent-minded - Resists Mycenaean dominance
- Strong tradition - Ancient royal house
- Rich territory - Fertile Boeotian plain
Athens
Less prominent in this age than it will become later.
- Ancient acropolis and palace
- Trading connections
- Not yet the dominant power it will be
Other Centers
- Orchomenos - Wealthy Boeotian kingdom
- Iolkos - Northern kingdom, gateway to the north
- Sparta - A settlement, not yet the military power of later ages
- Various smaller palaces and strongholds throughout the Peloponnese
Political Structure
Each kingdom is ruled by a wanax (king), who governs from a palace complex. The palace is:
- Military headquarters
- Economic center (craft production, storage)
- Religious center
- Administrative hub
Below the king are aristocratic warriors (the basileis), who control territories and owe military service. The system is feudal in character.
Society is hierarchical and bureaucratic (the Linear B tablets record everything), but also competitive and honor-based.
Economy
Agriculture
- Grain - Wheat and barley from fertile plains
- Olive oil - Major export product
- Wine - Growing in importance
- Livestock - Sheep (for wool), cattle, pigs
Industry
- Textile production - Wool and linen, palace-controlled workshops
- Pottery - Mycenaean pottery is distinctive and widely traded
- Bronze working - Weapons, armor, tools, luxury items
- Perfumed oil - Valued export
Trade
Mycenaean merchants range widely:
Exports: Pottery, olive oil, wine, textiles, worked goods
Imports: Tin (essential!), copper, gold, silver, luxury goods, amber, ivory
Military Culture
The Mycenaean kingdoms are warrior societies:
- Chariots - Elite warriors fight from chariots (though in Greece, more for transportation than combat)
- Bronze armor - Full panoply for elite warriors
- Ships - War galleys for raiding and projection of power
- Fortifications - Massive walls protect palace centers
The warrior aristocracy values:
- Kleos (glory, fame) - Achieved through heroic deeds
- Time (honor, worth) - One's value and status
- Guest-friendship (xenia) - Sacred bonds between nobles
- Prowess in battle - The ultimate measure of a man
Religion
The Mycenaeans worship the gods who will become the Classical Greek pantheon, though with some differences:
Major Deities (attested in Linear B)
- Zeus - Sky father, already supreme
- Hera - Zeus's consort, queen of the gods
- Poseidon - Very important in this sea-focused age
- Athena - War and wisdom (called Potnia at Athens)
- Dionysus - Already present (contrary to later myths)
- Artemis - The hunt and wilderness
- Various other gods and goddesses
The gods are powerful and present, demanding sacrifice and worship. Religious ritual is central to palace culture.
Chthonic Powers
The earth itself is sacred and powerful. Offerings to the earth and to the dead are important. Mystery cults exist alongside official religion.
Writing: Linear B
The Mycenaeans use Linear B script, adapted from the earlier Minoan Linear A. It's used exclusively for palace administration - accounting, inventories, tax records, personnel lists.
Linear B is:
- Syllabic (not alphabetic)
- Complex (requires trained scribes)
- Limited to administrative use
- Not used for literature or history
Knowledge of Linear B is restricted to palace scribes. Most nobles are illiterate in the formal sense, though they may recognize seals and symbols.
Relations with Other Powers
The Hittites
The Hittite records mention "Ahhiyawa" (likely the Mycenaeans). Relations are complex:
- Trade connections
- Diplomatic correspondence (at high levels)
- Competition over western Anatolia, particularly Troy
- The Hittites view Ahhiyawa as a significant power
- Some conflict, some cooperation
Egypt
Trade relations are active. Egyptian records mention the "Keftiu" (Cretans/Aegeans). Mycenaean pottery is found in Egypt; Egyptian objects in Mycenaean graves.
Crete
The Mycenaeans conquered or absorbed Crete in an earlier period. Cretan culture heavily influenced Mycenaean civilization. Knossos is now ruled by a Mycenaean dynasty.
The Islands
The Mycenaeans control or influence many Aegean Islands. Cyprus is particularly important for copper trade.
Current Situation (c. 1250 BCE)
The Mycenaean kingdoms are at or near their peak, but there are tensions:
- Inter-kingdom rivalry - Competition for resources and prestige
- Pressure on tin supplies - The Tin Routes are critical and vulnerable
- Western expansion - Some kingdoms push into Anatolia
- Population pressure - Land is limited
- Social tensions - The palace systems are rigid and demanding
- Troy - The wealthy city on the Anatolian coast is a tempting target
The stage is set for the legendary Trojan War (whether it happens in your campaign is up to you).
For Player Characters
Mycenaean territories offer opportunities and challenges:
Advantages:
- Wealthy markets for imports (especially metals)
- Demand for luxury goods
- Organized administration (if you can navigate it)
- Strong tradition of guest-friendship protects travelers
- Good harbors and sailing traditions
Challenges:
- Xenophobic compared to eastern ports
- Bureaucratic - palaces control much of the economy
- Warrior culture can be intimidating
- Honor-based conflicts can arise suddenly
- Political instability between kingdoms
- Pirates and raiders are common
Dealing with Mycenaeans:
- Understand hierarchy and proper respect for rank
- Gift-exchange is crucial for relationships
- Guest-friendship (xenia) is sacred - if you're a guest, you're protected
- But betraying xenia is one of the worst offenses
- Speaking Greek is nearly essential
- Athletic contests and feasting are important social contexts
The Mycenaeans value: martial prowess, honor, loyalty, hospitality (to guests), and glorious achievement
Connected Locations