The Bronze Age of Ancient Greece was coming to an end during Mycenaean civilization. The architecture, writings, art, and public administration of Greece serve as examples of the early stages of this developed culture.
The Mycenaean Greeks made advances in technology, architecture and military infrastructure. These discoveries improved the economy and changed trade in the Mediterranean. Additionally, it has been established that Linear B, their syllabic script, is among the oldest Greek texts. Many gods also revered in the Olympian pantheon were part of their faith.
An elite military class that ruled from a network of palace kingdoms was responsible for civilization. These nations established rigid political, economic, social and hierarchical structures. The leader of the community was the king, or wanax.
Along with trade, art was in vogue. It was common to see geometric patterns and decorative themes. There were some additions to the Minoan pottery forms, such as the beaker and the alabastron. Also common were standing female and animal terracotta statuettes. Bull jumping, flora, captured lions, battle scenes and other common Mycenaean pastimes were all depicted in fresco. Because the Mycenaeans were so pious, burial was considered a necessary ritual.
Yet this society mysteriously ceased around 1100 BC, during the late Bronze Age, possibly as a result of an earthquake, internal strife, or invasion.
