One Of The Gems Of Mycenae: The Treasury Of Atreus

The Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, is an extraordinary ancient tomb on the Panagitsa Hill at Mycenae in Greece.

Built during the Bronze Age period, around 1250 BC, it probably actually had no connection to either Atreus or Agamemnon as the sovereign buried at the site is from an earlier period than either.

Despite this lack of connection to either of those famous names, it is still an extraordinary structure and a fascinating attraction.

Mycenae is a famous historic site that is located in the region of Peloponnese so, if you have found a vacation rental in Peloponnese, make sure to check out this and all of the other incredible ruins that can be found in the area.

Boasting a monumental shape and incredible grandeur, the Treasury of Atreus is one of the most impressive monuments of Mycenaean Greece. Embedded in the side of a hill, it is comprised of a circular room that is half buried in the ground and has a domed roof.

In fact, it was the tallest and widest dome in the world for over a thousand years, until the Temple of Hermes in Baiae and the Pantheon in Rome took its title.

The tomb also boasts a richly decorated entrance portal with half-columns carved out of green limestone and engraved with zig-zag patterns, a frieze of rosettes engraved in the architrave of the door, and accents in red marble, red porphyry and green alabaster.

Sadly, some parts were removed in the 19th century and taken to the British Museum but what remains is still lovely.

In fact, it was a small side chamber that served as a burial space, while the main chamber, and majority, of this tomb was actually reserved for ritual use. This kind of tholos tombs is found all over Greece and there are around 9 in Mycenae alone but this is certainly one of the most impressive of all.