The archaeologist discovered this mask and believes it shows that the Trojan War was real.
In 1876, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann made a groundbreaking discovery while excavating at the archaeological site of Mycenae in southern Greece. Known as one of the most significant finds of the Bronze Age, Schliemann uncovered a gold death mask that he believed belonged to the mythical King Agamemnon.
This mask is referred to as the “Mask of Agamemnon”, and the artifact quickly attracted attention not only from the archaeological community but also from the general public. However, subsequent studies revealed fascinating and surprising truths, shedding light on the complex history of the Mycenaean civilization.
The Mask of Agamemnon.
During his excavation at Mycenae, Schliemann discovered a royal tomb from the Bronze Age, containing the remains of eight individuals. One of the most striking artifacts found was the golden death mask, which he swiftly associated with Agamemnon—the great king mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. According to Homer, Agamemnon led the Achaean forces in the siege of Troy.
Schliemann believed he had uncovered the remains of Agamemnon himself, which further solidified his belief that the mythical stories in Homer’s epics had historical foundations. Consequently, the mask became known as the “Mask of Agamemnon,” symbolizing a glorious part of Mycenaean history and the Trojan War.
This mask was made around 1500 BC.
Although Schliemann was very confident in his discovery, modern research offers a different perspective. Thorough analyses of the artistic style and dating of the mask indicate that it was created around 1500 BC, centuries before the time of Agamemnon, if he indeed existed. This raises questions about whether the mask is truly related to this mythical king.
Archaeologists have also determined that the tomb where the mask was found is a royal burial site, but they cannot definitively state that it is the burial place of Agamemnon. The Mycenaean civilization—where Agamemnon is believed to have ruled—may have existed from around 1750 BC and collapsed around 1200 BC, during the period of the “Late Bronze Age collapse.” This makes the connection between the mask and Agamemnon even more difficult to ascertain.
Is this mask really related to King Agamemnon?
The golden death mask that Schliemann found was crafted from a thin sheet of gold, molded to reflect the face of the deceased. The royal tomb contained the remains of eight individuals, but only five of them wore a golden death mask, indicating their significant roles in Mycenaean society.
The Mycenaean civilization was one of the most important civilizations of the Bronze Age in southern Greece. They spoke a form of ancient Greek and were heavily influenced by the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. The Mycenaeans were not only renowned for their architectural and artistic achievements but also for establishing an organized and developed society. In the Iliad, Homer describes Mycenae as the kingdom of valiant warriors, and Schliemann believed this was the society that Agamemnon ruled.
While modern archaeologists suggest that the Trojan War—if it occurred—may have taken place around the 12th century BC, after the decline of the Mycenaean civilization, Schliemann maintained that the Mycenaeans were indeed the Achaeans described by Homer.
The discovery of this mask significantly contributes to our understanding of the Mycenaean civilization.
Whether the mask truly belonged to Agamemnon or not, this discovery has played a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the Mycenaean civilization and the connection between history and mythology. Schliemann was not only a talented archaeologist but also a passionate individual determined to prove the existence of characters from ancient Greek epics. His discovery of the “Mask of Agamemnon” is a clear testament to the blend of myth and reality in archaeology.
Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery not only marked a significant advancement in the field of archaeology but also served as evidence of the intersection between myth and history. Despite ongoing debates surrounding the true identity of the mask’s wearer, the “Mask of Agamemnon” remains a captivating symbol of the Mycenaean civilization and the Bronze Age in Greek history.
The Mask of Agamemnon reflects the exquisite craftsmanship of the Bronze Age.
The golden death mask of Mycenae, while it cannot be definitively claimed to belong to Agamemnon, remains an invaluable artifact. It not only reflects the intricate craftsmanship of the Bronze Age but also carries symbolic value of power and status in ancient Mycenaean society. Such golden death masks were crafted specifically for individuals of high status, possibly kings or valiant warriors.
The discovery of the mask also opens the door for discussions about history and mythology. It reminds us that, although the stories of Agamemnon may have been mythologized over time, the historical reality behind the Mycenaean civilization remains largely unexplored.
