Following on from Rodney Castleden's best-selling study Minoans, this major contribution to our understanding of the crucial Mycenaean period clearly and effectively brings together research and knowledge we have accumulated since the discovery of the remains of the civilization of Mycenae in the 1870s. In lively prose, informed by the latest research and using a full bibliography and over 100 illustrations, this vivid study delivers the fundamentals of the Mycenaean civilization including its culture, hierarchy, economy and religion. Castleden introduces controversial views of the Mycenaean palaces as temples, and studies their impressive sea empire and their crucial interaction with the outside Bronze Age world before discussing the causes of the end of their civilization. Providing clear, easy information and understanding, this is a perfect starting point for the study of the Greek Bronze Age.

Acknowledgements and Preface Chapter 1:Introduction Chapter 2:Cities and Kingdoms Chapter 3: The People Chapter 4: Everyday Life in the Countryside Chapter 5: Everyday Life in the Towns Chapter 6: Religion Chapter 7: A Mycenaean Sea-empire? Chapter 8: The Trojan War Chapter 9: The Fall of Mycenae Chapter 10: And Live in Song for Generations Appendix A: Anatolian Chronology Appendix B: The Kings of Mycenae Appendix C: The Kings of Orchomenos Appendix D: The Kings of Argos Appendix E: The Epic Cycle Notes. Bibliography