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Treasury of Atreus

Home > The World > Architecture | Day Trips | Escape the City | Travel | Unusual Things to do
Published August 3rd 2013
or Agamemnon's chill spot?
Hidden within rolling mountainsides, the Treasury of Atreus (or Tomb of Agamemnon) is an impressive tholos tomb located on the Panagitsa Hill in Mycenae, Greece. Stunning views winding through gorgeous mountain landscapes make a visit to this splendid monument of Mycenaean architecture a wonderful day trip from Athens. Mycenae was among Greek civilisation's major centres during the second millennium BCE – it was a military stronghold, gaining such significance as to have an entire period of Green history (1600BCE to 1100 BCE AKA Mycenaean) named in reference to it.

Incredible views on the way - can you see the beehive?


Built in around 1250 BCE, the 'beehive' tomb consists of a stomion (entrance), dromos (passage), tholos (vaulted chambed) and a small internal side chamber, and forms part of the ancient citadel of Mycenae.

The Treasury's magnificent exterior


The tomb's carefully dressed masonry and the use of megalithic elements in its entrance (such as jambs and lintel) are distinctive features of its construction. The tomb's incredible façade was originally decorated with various materials, and parts of its sculpted decoration are exhibited in the British Museum, London, and the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

Distinctive masonry greets travellers


Coupled with the tomb's expansive interior (image courtesy of WikiCommons)


The Treasury was re-discovered by a German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, in the late 1800s, but was found robbed without any information on the grave goods or the burials the tomb once housed - adding to the mystery surrounding such an impressive monument, which was never buried in earth but instead remained visible, turning the heads of ancient and contemporary travellers alike.

The view from on top of the Treasury


Complete guided bus tours can take you on a Mycenae and Epidaurus day trip from Athens for about AUD140, all year round.
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Why? gorgeous views, stunning architecture, and a magnificent ancient landmark
When: All year round
Where: Panagitsa Hill in Mycenae, Greece
Cost: AUD 0-140
Your Comment
Mycenae tombs are fascinating. I studied them for my A-levels.
by Bastion Harrison (score: 4|12643) 3605 days ago
Mycenae Is a must on your Greek mainland itinerary. Myth comes alive there.
by rosha (score: 2|168) 3579 days ago
More than worth the trip. You are walking amongthe ruins of those who made history.

Agamemnon's brother was Menelaus, husband of Helen of Troy. If you are interested in Helen in particular read Bettany Hughes "Helen of Troy" it is fantastic.
by rosha (score: 2|168) 3507 days ago
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