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1600 BCE
Founding of Mycenae (c. 1600 B.C.E.)
Mycenae, one of the major centers of Greek civilization, was founded around 1600 B.C.E. It became a powerful city-state, known for its impressive architecture, including the famous Lion Gate and the royal shaft graves discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 -
Period: 1450 BCE to 1400 BCE
Mycenaean Expansion and Minoan Influence (c. 1450-1400 B.C.E.)
Around 1450 B.C.E., the Mycenaeans expanded their influence by taking over Crete, which had been dominated by the Minoan civilization. This expansion was facilitated by the eruption of the Thera volcano, which weakened the Minoans. The Mycenaeans adopted many aspects of Minoan culture, including art and religion, as they established dominance in the Aegean region -
1200 BCE
The Trojan War (c. 1200 B.C.E.)
The legendary Trojan War, which is believed to have occurred around 1200 B.C.E., is often associated with the Mycenaeans. This conflict, possibly a series of battles for control over trade routes in the Aegean, is famously recounted in Homer's epics. The war may have contributed to the weakening of Mycenaean power, as resources were diverted to military campaigns -
Period: 1200 BCE to 1100 BCE
Decline and Fall of the Mycenaean Civilization (c. 1200-1100 B.C.E.)
The Mycenaean civilization declined around 1200 B.C.E. with the destruction of palace centers and trade networks. Contributing factors included natural disasters, internal conflicts, and Dorian invasions. By 1100 B.C.E., it had fallen, ushering in the Greek Dark Ages. Known for its cultural achievements and military strength, its collapse was caused by a mix of internal and external pressures.