Το διασωθέν δυτικόν κυκλώπειον τείχος

Abstract

Constructed at the same time as the Lion Gate, the existing West Cyclopean Wall reaches a maximum preserved height of 8.25 m. some 12 meters south of the Granary' (Fig. 63). Trial pits dug in different sections of its foundations proved the use of yellowish clay in its construction (PI. 13 α. β). Other trenches dug along the foundation courses at 7 different areas yielded sherds (Figs. 60 - 62) indicating that the fill against its outer face had accumulated in LH III B advanced times. The re-examination of the foundations of the inner face of the Wall brought to light a MH cist grave across which the foundations had been carried (PI. 22), the small stones and clay employed as a bedding for its foundation (PI. 23) originally noted by Wace, and small cavities in the interstices of the huge blocks employed in the construction of the lowermost course (Fig. 64). In these cavities were found sherds that will date the construction of the Wall. The painted sherds and fragments of figurines found are illustrated in Figure 65. The latest belong to the middle of the ceramic phase LH III B, proving that the wall was built around the middle of the 13th century B. C. Their evidence agrees with that obtained in the Lion Gate area and confirms the late date of the construction of these monuments. The careful workmanship of the Wall and Gate, their monumental quality, and the great relief with which the Gate was embellished, prove the strength and prosperity of Mycenae in the middle of the 13th century B. C.