- Treasury of Atreus, Mycenae - n sheldon
Tholos tombs replaced the shaft grave as the burial of choice for the Mycenaean elite in the 16th century BC. All are situated outside of the citadel, some close to the road leading into the cit whilst others are situated about the hillside below it.
Archaeological examination shows the tombs, which survive in various states, seem to follow the common pattern. The best preserved of the tombs, known as the treasury of Atreus is however, unusual in several ways.
Chronology of Tholoi
There are three groups of tholos tombs at Mycenae, all corresponding with the end of the use of shaft graves.
- Group I. Dated between 1510-1460BC. This includes the tombs known as the Cyclopean tomb, the Epano Phournos tomb and the Tomb of Aegisthus.
- Group II: 1460-1400BC. Includes the Panagia tomb, Kato Phournos tomb and the Lion Tomb
- Group III: 1400-1300BC. Includes the Tomb of the Genii, Treasury of Atreus and the Tomb of Clytemnestra.
The Treasury of Atreus
The treasury of Atreus is the best preserved of the tholos tombs at Mycenae. It was initially mislabelled as a treasury but later established as a tomb by archaeologists.
The tomb was one of the last to be built, with pottery finds dating it to around 1300BC. Its external entrance way is 36 metres long and was lined with well cut masonry. This terminated at a pair of double doors which were made of wood with bronze fittings.
The doorframe was constructed from two columns of green lapis lacedaemonius, topped with a triglyph and frieze of red porphyry. This covered an empty triangular space above the doorways lintel. This was a common design feature of tholos tomb and was designed to relieved pressures in the structure.
The interior of the tomb measured 14.5m diameter and 13.20m high. Rows of nail holes in the walls have lead archaeologists to believe it may have been decorated with bronze rosettes, or similar emblems.
The tomb has two unusual features. One is a side chamber leading off from the main constructed part of the tomb which was hewn out of the rock. The other is that the tomb has no trace of any burials remaining. Perhaps this was why in classical times; the building was believed to be a storehouse for treasure rather than a tomb
Sources
Ancient Cities: The Archaeology of Urban Life in the Ancient Near East and Egypt,Greece and Rome (2003) Charles Gates.Routledge: London and New York
Illustrated Dictionary of Archaeology (1977) Book Club Associates: London
Natasha Sheldon - A writer since 2000, Natasha Sheldon holds a BA Hons in ancient history and archaeology and MA in ancient history and historiography.
