The Chronology of the Graves of Circle B at Mycenae: A New Hypothesis

Abstract

Recent discoveries have shed new light on the transition from the Middle to Late Helladic period in Greece and, more specifically, on the evidence from Grave Circle B at Mycenae. Homogeneous pottery groups belonging to the later burials in Circle B can now be identified on the basis of diagnostic examples of LM IA and/or LH I date (here called "Category A" vases). Such vases are associated, on the one hand, with specimens characteristic of the final MH and/or LH I period ("Category B" vases) and, on the other hand, with long-lived MH vessels ("Category C" vases). Some of the later pottery groups belong to the very end of the MH period and can be considered contemporary with early LM IA; they can be ascribed to Late Phase I of Circle B. Other groups, the latest in the Circle B sequence, are of LH I date and can be assigned to Late Phase II of Circle B. On the other hand, pottery groups including only long-lived MH examples and/or vases of late, but not strictly final, MH date can be attributed to the Early Phase of Circle B. A comprehensive examination of the corresponding graves shows a general evolution from the Early Phase to Late Phase II: cists and small shaft graves develop into large, elaborate shaft graves; contracted interments are superseded by extended burials; reuse of graves becomes increasingly customary; and funeral offerings gradually increase in value. Finally, many firm connections between burials of Late Phase II and Early Mycenaean contexts, particularly the "royal" graves of Circle A, are noted.

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