The Mycenaean civilization flourished on mainland Greece from approximately 1600 to 1100 BCE.

It was composed of several palace-centered states, with major sites at Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos.

Mycenaean culture was dominated by a warrior aristocracy, evident from the wealth of weapons and armor found in their tombs.

They built massive, fortified citadels with huge stone walls known as 'cyclopean masonry.'

Their rulers were buried in impressive 'tholos' or 'beehive' tombs, such as the Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae.

The Mycenaeans developed a script called Linear B, an early form of the Greek language, which has been deciphered.

Linear B tablets reveal a highly organized and bureaucratic palace economy that controlled the production and distribution of goods.

They were active traders throughout the Mediterranean and had contact with the Hittites and Egyptians.

The Mycenaean civilization is believed to be the historical basis for the heroic age described in Homer's epics, including the Trojan War.

The civilization collapsed violently around 1100 BCE during the 'Bronze Age Collapse,' leading to the Greek Dark Ages.