The Mycenaeans

For anyone with more than a passing interest in Aegean Bronze Age history, this video offers no surprises and only casual interest; for someone unfamiliar with the territory, it is a short (perhaps too short), but beautifully photographed and well-presented introduction to Greek and Mediterranean pre-history. This presentation, from the Legacy of Ancient Civilizations series, begins with the Achaean domination of the Greek mainland, emerging as the culture now called Mycenaean at such spectacular sites as Mycenae, Argos, and Tiryns. Fabled in the Homeric epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, the Mycenaean culture flourished from ca. 1500-1100 B.C., assimilating, around 1350 B.C., the fabulous Minoan culture of Crete. Late in the 19th century, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who earlier had uncovered the city of Troy in Turkey, discovered and excavated Mycenae and Tiryns. In addition to marvelous photography highlighting these sites, the program also looks at excavated artifacts such as the stunning gold Mask of Agamemnon and other golden jewelry, and visits the Lion Gate at Tiryns, one of the most breathtaking architectural achievements remaining from Greek pre-history. A useful study guide provides listings of vocabulary, important people, places, and dates, as well as "things to think about," internet resources, and a good, basic bibliography. The other titles in the series (series price: $124.75) are: Carthage and the Phoenicians, The Minoans, Ancient Arabia, Troy and Pergamum and Thera/Santorini. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (M. Rechel)