GREECE PELOPONNESE ARGOLIS MYCENAE PERIPHERY

Grave Circle B

In 1951, a cluster of 26 tombs - the "Grave Circle B" - was found outside the walls of the acropolis and excavated in the following years. Fourteen of the tombs belong to the shaft grave type and appear to be contemporary with the graves of "Grave Circle A" (1600-1550 BC). The remaining twelve, earlier in date (1650-1600 BC), are small and shallow graves carved into the bedrock. - Below: Panoramic view of Grave Circle B, where upright relief grave stone stelae mark the richest graves.

Above right and below right: Remains of the strong circular wall that enclosed all of these tombs.

Archaeologically, Grave Circle B is one of the most important discoveries made in Mycenae, although the grave goods (mostly ceramic vessels, but also bronze weaponry, gold jewellery and metal vases) were not quite as rich as those uncovered by Schliemann in "Grave Circle A". - The site has been upgraded in recent years but still does not attract many visitors.