GREECE PELOPONNESE ARGOLIS MYCENAE ACROPOLIS

Cistern

Above: A large cistern above ground in the Northwestern corner of the acropolis and the entry to the underground cistern. - In the 13th century BC there was obviously some military threat to the Mycenaean centers which led to the construction of secret water-supplies not only in Mycenae, but also on the acropolis of Athens and in Tiryns.

The secret cistern in Mycenae is reached via a narrow pointed-arched passage through the North wall. Slippery steps lead deep down to the former underground water-supply of Mycenae.

North Gate

A secondary gate was built into the North wall of the acropolis. It has the typical Mycenaean features of monolithic gate posts and a massive lintel. The proportions and decoration, however, do not reach the majestic power of the Lion Gate.