1 Introduction

There are many legends about Eurystheus, Agamemnon, and others who lived in Mycenae. Most of the lore, however, is fiction.

By ignoring the absurd legends and piecing together the legends that seem to be historical facts, the history of Mycenae becomes clear.

Mycenae is a town on the Peloponnesus peninsula that is as old as Argos, but in the case of Mycenae, there are almost no legends left before Perseus.

The early history of Mycenae is shrouded in deep mist.

2 Mycenae before Perseus (BC1750-1330)

2.1 The first Greeks

There are various theories about the origin of the name Mycenae, but the most plausible one is that it is named after Mycene, the daughter of Inachus. [1]

In 1750 BC, Inachus' two sons, Aegialeus (or Aezeius) and Phoroneus, founded Aegialeia (later Sicyon) and Phoroneus (later Argos). [2]

Mycenae was located at a strategic point on the road connecting the two towns.

Mycenae was probably founded at about the same time as the two towns. [3]

The founder of Mycenae is believed to be Arestor, the husband of Inachus' daughter Mycene.

Arestor was of the same family as Telchin, the third king of Sicyon, and the first inhabitants of Mycenae are thought to have been the Telchines.

2.2 Archaeological findings

Recent archaeological research has revealed the following about Mycenae. [4]

1) Crete's influence became dominant in Mycenae from about 1600 BC.

2) Mycenae developed into a great power between about 1550 BC and 1450 BC.

2.3 Descriptions in historical documents

There are almost no descriptions of Mycenae before Perseus.

The only description is from the great scientist Newton, who wrote the following: [5]

"Danaus, who had migrated from Egypt, fought against Gelanor, who ruled Argos.

Gelanor was the brother of Eurystheus, the ruler of Mycenae."

Newton then writes that Eurystheus was the son of Sthenelus, the son of Perseus.

This is a mistake on Newton's part.

Newton's mistake seems to have been caused by the fact that Gelanor's father's name was Sthenelas. [6]

In other words, Newton considered Gelanor's brother Eurystheus, who is mentioned in historical documents from the time of Danaus, to be the same person as Eurystheus, the son of Sthenelus, who ruled Mycenae 200 years later.

However, the name of Gelanor's father is said to be not only Sthenelus, but also Sthenelas, Stheneleus, and Sthelenus. [7]

In other words, it seems to be a historical fact that a person named Eurystheus ruled Mycenae during the time of Danaus.

2.4 The Battle of Telchines and Argos

During the time of Phoroneus, son of Inachus, Argos was fighting with Telchines. [8]

In 1690 BC, after being defeated in a battle with Apis, son of Phoroneus, the Telchines migrated to Rhodes. [9]

The Telchines were the tribe that gave Rhodes its ancient name, Telchinis. [10]

After this battle, Apis, king of Argos, also took control of Sicyon and became king of Sicyon. In the genealogy of the kings of the Sicyonians given by the chronicler Castor, Apis is recorded as the fourth king of Sicyon, between the third king Telchin and the fifth king Thelxion. [11]

In 1665 BC, Apis was killed by Telchin and Thelxion, and Sicyon was freed from 25 years of Argos rule. [12]

2.5 Emigration to Crete

The Telchines were active in Rhodes, but it is assumed that they first went to Crete.

The theologian Clemens of Alexandria, who lived in the 2nd century AD, wrote that the beginning of the monarchy was in the following order: "Aegialeus of Sicyon, Europs, Telchis, and Cres of Crete." [13]

In other words, it can be interpreted that Cres was the son of Telchis, who migrated from Sicyon to Crete and became king.

The Telchines were a tribe named after Telchin, the third king of Sicyon.

2.6 About Cres

Cres was the first king of Crete, and it is said that Crete was named after him. [14]

Cres was also king of the Eteocretans of Crete, and had a son named Talos. [15]

2.7 Emigration from Crete to Mycenae

After Sicyon was liberated from the rule of Apis of Argos in 1665 BC, trade activity between Sicyon and Telchines of Crete seems to have become active. [16]

The influence of Crete in Mycenae from around 1600 BC is thought to be the result of Telchines settling in Mycenae. [17]

Mycenae developed later due to the activities of Telchines, who sailed freely in the Agean Sea from Crete and Rhodes as bases. [18]

2.8 Messapus

Pausanias records the names of the kings of Sicyon.

Pausanias writes that Leucippus, son of Thurimachus, had no son to succeed him, so Peratus, son of his daughter Calchinia, became king.[19]

In the list of the kings of the Sicyonians compiled by the chronicler Castor, the name Messapus appears between Leucippus and Peratus.[20]

Messapus was probably the husband of Leucippus' daughter Calchinia and father of Peratus.[21]

2.9 Father of Messapus

Mycenae was called Argion, named after Argus, who was called many-eyed or all-seeing. [22]

Argus was the son of Agenor, the son of Ecbasus, the son of Argus, the son of Niobe, the daughter of Phoroneus. [23]

Argus' wife was Ismene, the daughter of the river god Asopus. [24]

At the time of their marriage, the king of Sicyon, where the river Asopus flows, was Thurimachus, the son of Aegydrus (or Aegyrus). Asopus is the river god Thurimachus, and Ismene is presumed to be the daughter of Thurimachus. [25]

When making a genealogy, Messapus is the next generation after Argus.

From the above, it can be presumed as follows.

Argus, son of Agenor, married Ismene, daughter of Thurimachus of Sicyon, and lived in Mycenae.

Because Leucippus, son of Thurimachus, king of Sicyon, had no sons, he was succeeded by Messapus, husband of Calchinia, daughter of Leucippus. [26]

In other words, Messapus' father was Argus, son of Agenor.

2.10 Great Migration from Argos

In 1560 BC, a great migration from Argos occurred. [27]

Recent archaeological research has shown that Mycenae had developed into a great power since about 1550 BC. [28]

In other words, the cause of the great migration was not famine caused by climate change, but the occupation of Argos by Mycenae.

2.11 Prosperity of Mycenae

Messapus, who succeeded Argus, son of Agenor, as king of Mycenae, controlled Sicyon, the birthplace of his mother Ismene and his wife Calchinia.

In 1560 BC, Messapus attacked and occupied Argos.

As a result, Mycenae controlled all the people of the Peloponnesus peninsula, except for the Pelasgians who lived in Arcadia.

Messapus died around 1540 BC and is believed to be the person associated with the Mask of Agamemnon, excavated at Mycenae.

The Telchines, also known as the Idaean Dactyls, who lived at Mycenae, were a people who excelled in metalworking.[29]

2.12 Situation at that time

The situation in the Mediterranean world around 1550 BC, when Mycenae was in its golden age, was as follows.

The Pelasgians and Telchines under the rule of Messapus, son of Argus, lived in Mycenae, Argos, Sicyon, Tiryns, Epidaurus, Heraeum, and Hermione in Argolis.

The Eteocretans, who migrated from Sicyon and changed their name from Telchines, lived in Crete.

The Telchines, who migrated from Sicyon, lived in Rhodes.

The Oenotrians and Peucetians, who were the same tribe as Messapus, son of Argus, and changed their name from Pelasgians, lived in the Italian peninsula.

It is assumed that Mycenae traded with Crete, Rhodes, and the Italian peninsula.

The following regions were inhabited by people expelled from Argos by Messapus.

In Arcadia the Pelasgians lived under Pelasgus, son of Agenor, son of Triopas.

In Megara the Pelasgians lived under Crotopus, son of Agenor, son of Triopas.

In eastern Thessaly the Pelasgians lived under the sons of Larisa, daughter of Pelasgus.

In Lycia the Pelasgians lived, colonized by Xanthus, son of Triopas.

In Cyrnus in Caria the Pelasgians lived under Cyrnus.

In Lesbos the Pelasgians lived under Xanthus, son of Triopas.

In the Nile Delta in Egypt the Greek settlers lived under Telegonus of Sais.

The following regions were inhabited by other peoples:

In Attica the Ectenes lived under Cecrops.

Boeotia was inhabited by the Hyantes and Aonians.

Phocis was inhabited by the Delphians.

Southwest Thessaly was inhabited by Ectenes, under the rule of the father of Deucalion, father of Hellen.

2.13 Emergence of Danaus

In 1430 BC, Danaus migrated from Egypt to Peloponnesus and seized control of Argos from Gelanor. [30]

Pausanias reports that Gelanor was the son of Sthenelas, the son of Crotopus, the son of Agenor, the son of Triopas. [31]

However, Sthenelas was not the son of Crotopus, and there is a gap of about two generations between them.

Sthenelas is also presumed to be a descendant of Messapus of Mycenae, not a descendant of Crotopus. When Danaus migrated, Gelanor's brother Eurystheus ruled Mycenae. [32]

2.14 Recapture of Argos

In 1600 BC, Argus, son of Agenor, was expelled from Argos by Phorbas, son of Criasus, and moved to Mycenae. [33]

In 1560 BC, Messapus, son of Argus, expelled the descendants of Triopas, son of Phorbas, from Argos.

Io, daughter of Iasus, son of Triopas, moved to Egypt. [34]

Danaus was the son of Belus, son of Libya, daughter of Epaphus, son of Io.

In other words, Danaus recaptured Argos, which had been occupied by Mycenae.

Afterwards, Danaus attacked and destroyed Mycenae, and it is assumed that the inhabitants of Mycenae moved to Sicyon.

2.15 Reoccupation of Argos

In 1413 BC, Lynceus, who succeeded Danaus, died, and his son Abas inherited Argos. [35]

In 1408 BC, Lamedon, presumably the son of Gelanor, who had been banished by Danaus, invaded Argos from Sicyon and occupied it. [36]

2.16 Recapture of Argos

In 1407 BC, Archander and Architeles, the two sons of Achaeus, fought against Lamedon, recaptured Argos, and occupied Sicyon. [37]

Archander and Architeles were the husbands of Scaea and Automate, daughters of Danaus. [38]

Archander and Architeles, descendants of Deucalion, were followed by many Achaeans, who settled throughout Argolis. [39]

Aeolus' son Sisyphus founded Ephyra (later Corinth) to the east of Sicyon and also ruled over Sicyon. [40]

2.17 Desolation of Mycenae

Mycenae was further devastated by the wars between the Achaeans and Sicyonians.

In 1368 BC, Proetus and Acrisius, the two sons of Abas of Argos, fought for dominion and then made peace. [41]

Acrisius was now in possession of Argos, while Proetus was in possession of Tiryns, Heraeum, Mideia, and the littoral region of Argolis. [42]

Mycenae did not exist as a town.

2.18 Records of Mycenae before Perseus

The lack of records from Mycenae before Perseus' founding is likely due to the scattering of those who could tell the story of the past.

The people who lived in Mycenae before Danaus's migration in 1430 BC fled to Sicyon after Danaus destroyed the town.

In 1407 BC, Sicyon was occupied by the Achaeans and ruled by Sisyphus, son of Aeolus, who had emigrated from Thessaly. [43]

Before 1430 BC, the people who lived in Mycenae were dispersed.

The same can be seen with the Pelasgians, who emigrated from Argos to Thessaly in 1560 BC. Their descendants are not recorded until 1390 BC, when they were expelled from Thessaly.

However, unlike Mycenae, there is a genealogy that has been preserved from the first settler, Larisa, to her descendant Nanas at the time of the exile.

3 Age of Perseus, son of Danae (1330-1304 BC)

3.1 Perseus, Son of Danae

In 1360 BC, Perseus was born in Chemmis, Nile Delta, Egypt, as the son of Danae, daughter of Acrisius, King of Argos. [44]

In 1349 BC, Acrisius summoned Perseus to Argos to make him his successor. [45]

In 1343 BC, Perseus killed Acrisius' brother Proetus and fled to the island of Seriphus. [46]

3.2 Marriage of Perseus

In 1342 BC, Perseus went to Cepheus, the son of Belus, who lived in the land of the Ethiopians, and married his daughter Andromeda. [50]

Andromeda's birthplace, Ethiopia, was not in the south of Egypt, but in the northwest of the Anatolia Peninsula, near the mouth of the Aesepus River. [51]

Ethiopia was in the Adrasteia plain, and at the time of Perseus' marriage to Andromeda, it was the territory of Tantalus, the father of Pelops. [52]

The marriages between Perseus' sons and Pelops' daughters were due to the friendship between Tantalus, the father of Pelops, and Perseus.

Danae, the mother of Perseus, and Evarete, the mother of Hippodamia, the wife of Pelops, were sisters, and Perseus' sons and Pelops' daughters were also cousins. [53]

3.3 Expedition of Perseus

There are historical documents that say that Perseus made an expedition to Iconium (Konya) in Lycaonia, but this is thought to have happened during this period of unknown whereabouts. [47]

According to Hittite texts, Tarhuntaradu, king of Arzawa, had invaded deep into Hittite territory and occupied Tuwanuwa (Tyana). [48]

Iconium is about 185 km west of Tuwanuwa.

Tarhuntaradu was a contemporary of Perseus' mother Danae, and Perseus likely participated in Tarhuntaradu's campaigns with the Ahhiyawa forces.

In the temple of the citadel of Mycenae, founded by Perseus, was placed a scarab of Tiye, wife of Amenhotep III of Egypt. [49]

The scarab was presumably given to Perseus by Tarhuntaradu, who had connections with Amenhotep III, and Perseus placed it in the temple.

3.4 Founding of Mycenae

After the death of Acrisius, son of Abas, Megapenthes, son of Proetus, who lived in Tiryns, moved to Argos. [54]

In 1332 BC, Perseus returned to Peloponnesus from the land of the Ethiopians and occupied Tiryns with the Achaeans, who had been driven out of Argos. [55]

According to legend, Perseus and Megapenthes exchanged towns, so that Perseus lived in Tiryns and Megapenthes lived in Argos. [56]

However, this was a result of their actions, and not of their own volition.

In 1330 BC, Perseus founded Mycenae and surrounded it with strong walls. [57]

Mycenae is said to have been founded on Mount Argium, and it is believed that the town founded by Argus, son of Agenor, no longer existed. [58]

3.5 Sons of Perseus

3.5.1 Perses, son of Perseus

Perses was born in Ethiopia and left there to succeed his mother Andromeda's father Cepheus. [59]

3.5.2 Alcaeus, son of Perseus

Alcaeus married Hipponome, daughter of Menoeceus of Thebes, and had a son, Amphitryon, who later became the father of Heracles. [60]

After Perseus founded Mycenae, Alcaeus inherited Tiryns.

3.5.3 Sthenelus, son of Perseus

Sthenelus inherited Mycenae from his father Perseus. [61]

3.5.4 Cynurus, son of Perseus

In 1300 BC, Cynurus moved to the border with Laconia in search of a new land and founded Cynuria. [62]

3.5.5 Mestor, son of Perseus

Mestor married Lysidice, daughter of Pelops, and had a daughter, Hippothoe. [63]

3.5.6 Helius (or Heleus), son of Perseus

In 1290 BC, Helius founded Helos on the coast of Laconia. [64]

Helius married Hippothoe, daughter of his brother Mestor, and had a son Taphius. [65]

In 1277 BC, Helius and his brothers invaded northwestern Greece and settled in the Echinadian Islands. [66]

3.5.7 Electryon, son of Perseus

Electryon lived in Midea and married Lysidice (or Eurydice), daughter of Pelops, and had Alcmena, who would later become the mother of Heracles. [67]

Electryon had been married to Midea, a Phrygian, before his marriage to Lysidice. [68]

This marriage is thought to have taken place in the following way:

Perseus' first son, Perses, was left behind in Ethiopia to succeed his grandfather. [69]

Ethiopia was in the Adrasteia plain, where Pelops' father Tantalus lived, but was driven out by Ilus, son of Tros. [70]

Perses asked his father Perseus for help against the threat of neighboring Troy.

Perseus sent Electryon to Perses.

Electryon married the Phrygian Midea in Ethiopia, and had many sons with her. [71]

After being defeated in battle by Ilus, Electryon returned to Peloponnesus, who was left in charge of Midea.

3.6 Daughters of Perseus

3.6.1 Gorgophone, daughter of Perseus

In 1307 BC, Gorgophone married Perieres, son of Aeolus, of Andania in Messenia. [72]

Andania was founded by Polycaon, son of Lelex of Lacedaemon, with the Achaeans, who had migrated from Argos, five generations earlier. [73]

The inhabitants of Mycenae were also descendants of the Achaeans who lived in Argos.

The marriage between Perieres and Gorgophone was likely established because the inhabitants of both towns were of the same race.

3.6.2 Autochthe, daughter of Perseus

Perseus had a daughter named Autochthe. [74]

Autochthe was probably the wife of Pelops, for reasons explained below in "Mother of Atreus".

3.7 Death of Perseus

In 1310 BC, Perseus was killed by Megapenthes, son of Proetus of Argos. [75]

This was in revenge for Perseus's murder of Megapenthes' father Proetus.

After this incident, Argos and Mycenae were estranged.

Mycenae does not figure in the Argives' attack on Thebes, and Argos does not figure in Eurystheus' attack on Heracleidae.

The Argos colony Abae of Phocis was also involved in the conflict.

Megapenthes killed Lynceus of Abae, and Abas, son of Lynceus, killed Megapenthes. [76]

4 Age of Sthenelus, son of Perseus (1310-1262 BC)

4.1 Marriage of Sthenelus

Perseus was succeeded by his son Sthenelus.

Sthenelus had wives Nicippe (or Archippe), daughter of Pelops, and Antibia, daughter of Amphidamas. [77]

Amphidamas, whose father corresponds to the same age as Sthenelus' wife, was the son of Aleus of Arcadia. [78]

Nausidame, daughter of Amphidamas, was the mother of Augeas of Elis, and is thought to have been involved in the cause of the battle between Heracles and Augeas. [79]

Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, was the same age as Sthenelus' nephew Heracles, and it is assumed that Eurystheus' mother was Nicippe, Sthenelus' second wife. [80]

4.2 Alcyone, daughter of Sthenelus

The 1st century AD historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus reports that Alcyone served as a priestess in Argos three generations before the Trojan War. [81]

Chronologically, this Alcyone was likely the daughter of Sthenelus and the half-sister of Eurystheus. Eurystheus' daughter Admete was also a priestess of Hera in Argos. [82]

4.3 Amphitryon's Campaign

In 1277 BC, Sthenelus' brothers, Electryon and Helius, along with their nephew Amphitryon, marched to northwestern Greece. [83]

During this campaign, Electryon and his sons, who lived in Midea, died, leaving behind his youngest son, Licymnius, and his daughter, Alcmena. [84]

Amphitryon summoned his cousins, Licymnius and Alcmena, to Thebes, and Amphitryon took Alcmena as his wife. [85]

Sthenelus left Midea, without Electryon, in the hands of Pelops' sons, Atreus and Thyestes. [86]

4.4 Astymedusa (or Medusa), daughter of Sthenelus

The 5th century BC mythologist Pherecydes reports that the third wife of Oedipus of Thebes was Astymedusa, daughter of Sthenelus. [87]

If this Sthenelus is Sthenelus, son of Capaneus of Argos, his daughter and Oedipus's age difference would be 100 years, which is not plausible.

If Astymedusa is the daughter of Sthenelus, son of Perseus, her age as Oedipus' wife would be roughly plausible.

Oedipus may have known Astymedusa, who lived in Mycenae, while living in Tenea in Corinth. [88]

The third marriage of Oedipus, estimated to be 60 years old at the time, in 1234 BC, brought great hatred on Creon of Thebes.

Creon hated the descendants of Perseus because his daughter Megara had been divorced by Heracles.[89]

The marriage of Oedipus to Astymedusa led to conflict between Oedipus and his sons, Eteocles and Polyneices.[90]

5 Age of Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus (1262-1217 BC)

In 1262 BC, Sthenelus was succeeded by his son Eurystheus. [91]

5.1 Birth of Eurystheus

Eurystheus is said to have become king of Mycenae because he was born slightly before Heracles. [92]

However, Heracles did not become king of Mycenae even though he was born before Eurystheus. Heracles was a lord of Tiryns, inherited from his grandfather Alcaeus to his father Amphitryon.

5.2 Founding of Cleonae

In 1251 BC, Atreus left Mycenae and founded Cleonae. [93]

Cleonae was located about 11 km north of Mycenae, Mycenae was about 12 km northwest of Mideia, and Tiryns was about 7 km south-southwest of Mideia.

The founding of Cleonae is believed to have occurred around the time Heracles migrated from Thebes to Tiryns. [94]

Eurystheus, who inherited Mycenae from his father, invited Heracles and Licymnius, who lived in Thebes, to live nearby as reliable relatives.

Heracles, son of Amphitryon, son of Alcaeus, brother of Eurystheus' father Sthenelus, migrated from Thebes to Tiryns, his father's former territory. [95]

Licymnius, son of Electryon, brother of Eurystheus' father Sthenelus, migrated from Thebes to Mideia, his father's former territory.

Atreus therefore left Mycenae and founded Cleonae.

When Mycenae was destroyed by Argos in 468 BC, some of the Mycenaeans fled to Cleonae.[96]

5.3 Civil war in Argos

Hyettus, who lived in Argos, murdered Molurus, son of Arisbas. Hyettus emigrated to Boeotia and founded Hyettus on the north side of Lake Copais. [97]

This incident probably triggered civil war in Argos, leading to the expulsion of Mantius, son of Melampus, from Argos. [98]

In 1247 BC, Mantius returned to Argos and expelled Abas, son of Melampus, who had expelled them, and the descendants of Bias, who had sided with him. [99]

As a result of this civil war, Melampus, son of Amythaon, and his entire family left Argos.

Since Oecles, son of Mantius, participated in the attack on Elis ordered by Eurystheus to Heracles, it is assumed that Eurystheus assisted Mantius in his return.

Mycenae and Argos were at odds, but Mantius was not a descendant of Megapenthes, the son of Proetus, who was the source of the conflict.

5.4 Attack on Elis

In 1243 BC, Eurystheus ordered Heracles to attack Augeas of Elis in Eleia. [100]

Tradition says that this was because Augeas had not paid Heracles the promised reward. [101]

However, it is more likely that the reason was as follows:

Augeas' mother was Nausidame, daughter of Amphidamas of Arcadia, whose sister Antibia was the first wife of Eurystheus' father Sthenelus.

In other words, Augeas and Eurystheus were cousins-in-law through each other's mothers. [102]

Before the birth of Eurystheus, Elis and Mycenae had a good relationship due to the marriage. However, their relationship deteriorated when Sthenelus married a second time to Nicippe (or Archippe), daughter of Pelops. [103]

After the death of Pelops, Elis took control of Olympia in place of Pisa and began to exert influence over Pisa, such as by holding games.

It is believed that Eurystheus had Heracles attack Elis in response to a petition from Pisa. [104]

5.5 Acceptance of the Dryopians

In 1230 BC, Heracles attacked the Dryopians and expelled them from their land after Phylas of Dryopes near Delphi disrespected the temple of Delphi. [105]

Some of the Dryopians fled to Peloponnesus, and, with the help of Eurystheus, founded three towns in Argolis, named Asine, Hermione, and Eion. [106]

Eurystheus is said to have supported the Dryopians because of his hostility toward Heracles, and it seems that the hostility between the two was already well known at this time. [107]

By this time, the sons of Eurystheus had come of age, testifying to the influence of Mycenae on the southeastern coast of Argolis.

5.6 Allies of Eurystheus

In 1262 BC, when Eurystheus inherited Mycenae from his father, there were only two close relatives of Eurystheus who had not yet reached adulthood.

These were Thyestes and Atreus, sons of Autochthe, sister of Eurystheus' father Sthenelus, who lived in Mideia. [108]

They and Eurystheus were cousins, through Perseus as their common grandfather, but they were more than 15 years older than Eurystheus.

5.7 Eurystheus' Change of Feelings About Heracles

Heracles was the same age as Eurystheus and the son of Eurystheus' cousin Amphitryon. [109]

Amphitryon was a warrior who fought against the Teleboans and Chalcodon, and Heracles had become famous for his battle with Erginus of Minyans. [110]

Heracles moved from Thebes to Tiryns after losing his children with Megara, daughter of Creon. [111]

When Heracles attacked the sons of Actor and Elis asked for the perpetrator to be punished, Eurystheus did not punish Heracles but sent him out of the city. [112]

To Eurystheus, Heracles was a trusted relative and a powerful ally.

However, Eurystheus's jealousy of Heracles turned to hostility when Heracles conquered Elis and Pylus and held the games at Olympia. [113]

Until then, the games at Olympia had been held by the champion of the time. [114]

5.8 Eurystheus's obsession with Heracles' family

Eurystheus's strong will was behind the relocation of Heracles' family after Heracles left Tiryns.

5.8.1 Relocation from Pheneus to Calydon

Lycurgus, king of Arcadia, lost his son Cepheus and many of his grandsons in the battle with Hippocoon. It is assumed that Lycurgus, at the request of Eurystheus, forced Heracles to leave Pheneus in Arcadia. [115]

Lycurgus was the grandfather of Eurystheus' wife Antimache. [116]

5.8.2 Relocation from Calydon to Trachis

It is assumed that Eurystheus pressured Oeneus of Calydon through Amphiaraus, the son of Oecles, the son of Mantius, who helped Heracles return to Argos. [117]

The Mantius family lived in Calydon for more than 20 years, and Amphiaraus was born in the town. [118]

5.8.3 Relocation from Trachis to Athens

After the death of Heracles, Eurystheus threatened to take action against Ceyx of Trachis if he did not expel the Heracles family. [119]

5.9 Death of Eurystheus

In 1217 BC, Eurystheus attacked Athens, where the sons of Heracles lived, but was killed by Iolaus, the nephew of Heracles. [120]

In 1215 BC, the Heracleidae invaded the Peloponnesus peninsula and occupied Mideia and Tiryns. [121]

The following year, the Heracleidae retreated from Peloponnesus to the town of Attica, leaving behind Heracles' son Tlepolemus. [122]

In 1213 BC, Tlepolemus led a colony to Rhodes. [123]

Tlepolemus' colony was made up of Tirynthians, including the family of Eurystheus who had survived the battle with the Heracleidae. [124]

5.9.1 Lebes and Rhacius

In 1213 BC, Mycenaean Lebes migrated from Peloponnesus to Crete.

In 1200 BC, Lebes' son Rhacius migrated from Crete to Asia Minor and founded Colophon. [125]

Rhacius shed tears when he heard from Tiresias' daughter Manto the story of the fall of Thebes by the Epigoni. From this, Lebes is presumed to be the son of Iphitus, the son of Sthenelus. [126]

In 1234 BC, Iphitus' sister Astymedusa was married to Oedipus of Thebes. [127]

5.9.2 Admete, daughter of Eurystheus

Admete, daughter of Eurystheus, a priestess at the temple of Hera in Argos, emigrated to Samos. [128]

Samos was a short distance from Colophon on the voyage from Crete.

It is believed that Admete was part of a group of immigrants led by Rhacius who were searching for a place to emigrate to, and settled in Samos along the way.

6 Mycenae after the death of Eurystheus

6.1 Confusing traditions

There are many confusing traditions about the Pelopidae who succeeded Eurystheus.

To understand the true history behind these traditions, it is necessary to consider the following:

1) The mother of Atreus and Thyestes was the daughter of Perseus.

2) Aegisthus was not the son of Thyestes, but the son of Thyestes' daughter Pelopia.

3) Thyestes died before Atreus.

4) Menelaus did not receive Lacedaemon from Tyndareus.

6.2 Mother of Atreus and Thyestes

It is assumed that Atreus' mother was not Hippodamia but Autochthe, daughter of Perseus. [129]

The reasons for this assumption are as follows:

1) Pelops is known to have had more than 15 sons, but Hippodamia is said to have had six. [130]

When creating a genealogy, Atreus was born more than 20 years after Pelops and Hippodamia were married. Some sources also state that Atreus was the firstborn, so it is assumed that Atreus' mother was not Hippodamia but a younger wife. [131]

2) Sthenelus entrusted Midea to Atreus and Thyestes. [132]

If Atreus' mother was Hippodamia, they are the brothers of Sthenelus' wife.

If Atreus' mother was Autochthe, they are Sthenelus' nephews.

Sthenelus presumably left Mideia in the hands of his relatives, Atreus and Thyestes.

3) Atreus inherited Mycenae after the death of Eurystheus. [133]

Thucydides reports that Atreus fled to Eurystheus after killing his half-brother Chrysippus. He also reports that Eurystheus entrusted Mycenae to Atreus when he went to fight the sons of Heracles. [134]

However, Atreus was over 70 years old when Eurystheus died, and Chrysippus had been dead for some time.

At that time, there were cases where a ruler's son-in-law succeeded him after his death, but there were no cases where a ruler's mother's brother succeeded him.

If Atreus was the son of Autochthe, the daughter of Perseus, the father of Sthenelus, Atreus would be Eurystheus' cousin and the rightful heir.

4) Atreus' two grandsons married the daughters of Tyndareus. [135]

There seems to be no blood relationship between Atreus, son of Pelops of Mycenae, and Tyndareus, son of Oebalus of Sparta.

However, if Atreus' mother was a daughter of Perseus, Atreus would have been the son of the sister of Tyndareus' mother, Gorgophone. Thus, Agamemnon and Menelaus married the daughters of their father's cousin, Tyndareus.

6.3 Aegisthus, son of Thyestes

Many traditions say that Aegisthus was the son of Thyestes. [136]

Some traditions say that Aegisthus' mother was Pelopia, daughter of Thyestes. [137]

Aegisthus' daughter Erigone married Orestes, son of Agamemnon, and bore him a son, Penthilus. [138]

The tradition that Aegisthus was the son of Thyestes seems to have arisen in accordance with the tradition that Agamemnon was the son of Atreus.

In fact, it is assumed that Agamemnon was the son of Pleisthenes (or Plisthenes), son of Atreus, and Aegisthus was the son of Pelopia, daughter of Thyestes.

6.4 Time of Thyestes' Death

There is a legend that Aegisthus killed Atreus, king of Mycenae, and restored Thyestes to the throne. [139]

However, there is no tradition that Agamemnon, grandson of Atreus, killed Aegisthus.

When Eurystheus died, Atreus is estimated to have been 73 years old.

Thyestes was older than Atreus, and it is thought that Thyestes had already died by the time Eurystheus died. [140]

Thyestes likely moved from Midea to Cythera, where he died. [140-1]

Cythera was a crucial hub on trade routes at that time. Thyestes and Aegisthus lived on Cythera and contributed to the development of Mycenae.

6.5 Menelaus' Succession to Lacedaemon

Tradition has it that Tyndareus handed over the kingship of Lacedaemon to his son-in-law Menelaus. [141]

However, other traditions say that Tyndareus was succeeded by the Dioscuri, so Tyndareus may have died before the Dioscuri. [142]

Tyndareus' sons, Castor and Polydeuces, had sons of the same age as Menelaus. [143]

Tyndareus had at least three daughters by women he married after returning to Sparta from Aetolia. Although the traditions do not record their siblings, it is likely that they also had siblings.

Thus, even though Tyndareus had an heir, his son-in-law Menelaus succeeded Lacedaemon.

It is likely that Menelaus, with the backing of Mycenae, gained control of the Lacedaemonians from the legitimate heirs of Tyndareus.

Evidence of this is that Menelaus was succeeded by Agamemnon's son Orestes, who was succeeded by his son Tisamenus, but neither of them lived in Lacedaemon.

7 Age of Atreus, son of Pelops (1217-1203 BC)

After the death of Eurystheus, Atreus inherited Mycenae. [144]

7.1 War with Heracleidae

7.1.1 Return of the Heracleidae (1st)

In 1215 BC, the Heracleidae led by Hyllus, son of Heracles, invaded Peloponnesus and occupied various areas. [145]

At this time, the Heracleidae occupied Mideia and Tiryns, not Mycenae. [146]

It is believed that Atreus and Agamemnon were besieged in Mycenae.

After the death of Eurystheus, Mycenae's military strength had not yet recovered.

7.1.2 Return of the Heracleidae (2nd)

In 1211 BC, the Heracleidae, led by Hyllus, son of Heracles, again attempted to invade the Peloponnesus. [147]

Atreus and Agamemnon led the Mycenaeans and Tegeans to attack the Heracleidae at Isthmus. [148]

Hyllus was killed in battle, and the Heracleidae were repelled. [149]

Tradition has it that Hyllus died in single combat with Echemus of Tegea. [150]

However, it is unnatural that the Heracleidae side sent a general while the Peloponnesus side sent a reinforcement, not a general.

Hyllus' opponent should have been Atreus or Agamemnon, not Echemus.

Herodotus writes that after being defeated in single combat, the Heracleidae promised not to attempt to return to the Peloponnesus for 100 years. [151]

The Heracleidae did return to the Peloponnesus in 1104 BC, leading the Dorians, but the story of the single combat appears to be a fabrication to fit the historical facts.

7.2 Death of Atreus

There is a legend that Atreus was killed by Aegisthus when he tried to make his father Thyestes the king of Mycenae. [152]

The following makes this legend seem to be a fabrication:

1) There is no tradition that Agamemnon, whose grandfather was killed, took revenge on Aegisthus.

2) Thyestes was older than Atreus, and it is presumed that Thyestes had died before Atreus succeeded to the kingship of Mycenae. [153]

Atreus was 87 years old when he died, and the cause of his death is thought to be illness or natural causes.

8 Age of Agamemnon, son of Pleisthenes (1203-1173 BC)

Atreus died, and his eldest grandson Agamemnon succeeded him to Mycenae. [154]

8.1 Territorial Expansion

After taking control of Mycenae, Agamemnon gained control of the northern part of the Peloponnesus Peninsula, from Sicyon to Helice in Achaia. [155]

He also gained control of Cardamyle, Enope, Hire, Phera, Antheia, Aepeia, and Pedasus, all along the coast of the Gulf of Messenia. [156]

Agamemnon also established a shrine to Athena on the Onugnathus Peninsula, near Cape Malea in southeastern Laconia. [157]

Agamemnon's rule also extended to Pavlopetri, the oldest sunken city in the world, which was located at the base of the Onugnathus Peninsula.

8.2 Marriage to Megara

In 1190 BC, Agamemnon's daughter Iphigenia was married to Philaeus, son of Ajax, who lived in Megara. There is no legend about this marriage, but it is only speculation, and the evidence is as follows:

1) Pausanias reports that there was a heroic shrine for Iphigenia in Megara, where she died. [158]

2) Philaeus lived in Brauron, and Iphigenia was a priestess of Artemis in Brauron. [159]

3) Iphigenia's brother Hyperion succeeded Ajax as king of Megara. [160]

8.3 Expedition to Troy

There is a legend that the Achaean army, led by Agamemnon, invaded Troy from the port of Aulis in Boeotia. [161]

The battle between the Trojans and the Achaeans, as told in Homer's Iliad, is a historical story, and Agamemnon is a major character in it.

However, Agamemnon does not seem to have participated in the Troy campaign, for the following reasons:

1) There are major contradictions in the legends.

Agamemnon's reign is said to have been 30 or 35 years, and the Trojan War ended in his 18th year of reign. This is in stark contrast to the legend that Agamemnon was killed immediately after returning from Troy. [162]

2) A long campaign was impossible.

After the death of Eurystheus, the Heracleidae tried to return to the Peloponnesus twice. The Heracleidae continued to look for an opportunity to invade the Peloponnesus. [163]

In fact, in the same year that Agamemnon died, Cleodaeus, son of Hyllus, led the Dorians in an attack on Mycenae and destroyed the town.

Under these circumstances, it was impossible for Agamemnon to lead an army from Mycenae on a long-term campaign.

8.4 Emigration from Tenedos

In 1286 BC, Polybus, son of Phlias, lived in Tenea in Corinth. [164]

Polybus succeeded the kingship of Sicyon and left Tenea to his adopted son Oedipus, son of Laius, and moved to Sicyon himself. [165]

In 1238 BC, Oedipus rushed to suppress the rebellion of Sphinx in Boeotia, and then moved to Thebes. [166]

After that, Tenea was probably under the rule of Atreus of Cleonae, which was located to the west.

In 1186 BC, Agamemnon settled the Trojans who had fled from the island of Tenedos off the coast of Troy in Tenea. [167]

Agamemnon did not participate in the Achaean invasion of Troy, which was undertaken at the request of Hector, son of Priam, but it is believed that people from Mycenae participated.

It is believed that they brought to Tenea the inhabitants of the island of Tenedos, who had fought on Hector's side, during their retreat from Troy.

8.5 Emigration to Italy

In 1190 BC, Halaesus, son of Agamemnon, emigrated to Falerii in the central part of the Italian peninsula. [168]

In 1345 BC, Danae, mother of Perseus, founder of Mycenae, emigrated to the Italian peninsula and founded Ardea, about 30 km southeast of Rome. [169]

The area around Falerii was ruled by the Rutulians, whose base was Ardea in Latium, and whose king, Turnus, was a descendant of Danae. [170]

It is believed that the Rutulians invited Halaesus to gain an ally against the hostile forces in the area.

In 1182 BC, a war broke out between Aeneas, son of Anchises, and the Rutulians, during which Halaesus sided with the Rutulians and was killed by Pallas, son of Evander. [171] After the death of Halaesus, the Mycenaeans who lived in Falerii probably returned to Mycenae. Recent archaeological excavations have uncovered artefacts that indicate a connection between Mycenae and Italy in the 12th century BC.

8.6 Factors behind the prosperity of Mycenae

The reason why Mycenae prospered more than other cities in the Peloponnesus Peninsula is probably because of the connection between Perseus, the founder of Mycenae, and overseas.

Before founding Mycenae, Perseus had connections with the following places:

1) Perseus was born in Chemmis in the Nile Delta in Egypt. [172]

2) Perseus fled to the island of Seriphus and was protected by Dictys, the son of Peristhenes. [173]

3) Perseus made an expedition to Iconium (Konya) in Lycaonia. [174]

4) Perseus went to Cepheus, the son of Belus in Ethiopia, and married Andromeda, the daughter of Cepheus. [175]

Ethiopia was located near the mouth of the Aesepus River in the northwest of the Anatolian Peninsula. [176]

5) Perseus' mother Danae founded Ardea near Rome on the Italian peninsula. [177]

Danae was succeeded by Perseus' brother Daunus, whose descendants became kings of the Rutulians. [178]

From the time of Perseus' founding, Mycenae appears to have become immensely wealthy through trade with the outside world.

8.7 Return of the Heracleidae (3rd)

In 1173 BC, Cleodaeus, son of Hyllus, led the Dorians in an attack on Mycenae and destroyed the town. [179]

Recent archaeological investigations have confirmed traces of destruction in Mycenae in the 12th century BC. [180]

The Dorians also destroyed Tiryns and Midea. [181]

Agamemnon is presumed to have been killed in battle with the Dorians.

Agamemnon died in the 30th year of his reign as king of Mycenae, at the age of 61. [182]

9 Age of Aegisthus (1173-1156 BC)

9.1 Expulsion of the Dorians

In order to retake the city that had been taken by the Dorians, Agamemnon's son Orestes gathered an army and expelled the Dorians who had occupied Argos. Cleodaeus, son of Hyllus, who led the Dorians, is presumed to have returned safely to Pindus in Doris. Later, Cleodaeus had a son, Aristomachus. [183]

However, some people, including Cleodaeus' eldest son, were unable to return to Doris and remained in Peloponnesus. They fled to Ire in Messenia and settled there. [184]

After the final return of the Heracleidae, Polyphontes, who claimed to be the "true Heracleidae", rebelled against Cresphontes, son of Aristomachus, who had taken possession of Messenia. Polyphontes is thought to be the son or grandson of Cleodaeus' eldest son. [185]

9.2 Emigration from Mycenae

Aegisthus, who came to Orestes' aid from Cythera, lived in Mycenae, which had been destroyed by the Dorians. [186]

After his death, his son Aletes inherited Mycenae. [187]

Most of the inhabitants of Mycenae migrated to other places, following the sons of Agamemnon.

9.2.1 Emigration to Tegea

Orestes migrated from Mycenae to Tegea in Arcadia. [188]

Tegea was the birthplace of Antimache, wife of Eurystheus, and had a long history of ties with Mycenae. [189]

Echemus, husband of Timandra, sister of Clytaemnestra, mother of Orestes, was king of Arcadia. [190]

The migration of Orestes caused Hippothous, son of Cercyon, who lived in Tegea, to emigrate to Trapezus. [191]

Afterwards, Orestes annexed Argos and placed it under his son Tisamenus. [192]

9.2.2 Emigration to Megara

Hyperion, son of Agamemnon, migrated from Mycenae to Megara. [193]

Hyperion's sister Iphigenia was married to Philaeus, son of Ajax, who lived in Megara. [194]

Hyperion was killed by Sandion because of his tyrannical behavior, and the monarchy of Megara was abolished. [195]

9.2.3 Emigration to Locris

Some of Agamemnon's children fled from Mycenae to Locris. [196]

In 1126 BC, Aeolis, who lived around Mount Phricium in Locris, migrated to Asia Minor under the leadership of Agamemnon's great-grandsons, Cleues, son of Dorus, and Malaus. [197]

9.3 Colonization by Orestes

The Dorians, led by Cleodaeus, devastated Mycenae, Tiryns, and Midea, as well as Epidaurus and Amyclae of Laconia.

Orestes led the dispossessed people and started colonization.

Orestes campaigned with Perinthus of Epidaurus, who founded a city named after him. [198]

Orestes also campaigned with Peisander of Amyclae, and colonized the island of Tenedos. [199]

10 Return of the Heracleidae

Pausanias, Apollodorus, and Strabo report that the Dorians, who invaded the Peloponnesus, took Argos, Cleonae, Corinth, Epidaurus, Lacedaemon, Messenia, Phlius, and Troezen.

However, Mycenae, Tiryns, and Midea are not mentioned in the legends that describe the final return of the Heracleidae to the Peloponnesus.

The inner walls of Mycenae are presumably in ruins by about 1104 BC.

11 Fall of Mycenae

Mycenae was later restored, even coming into conflict with Argos over the right to manage the temple of Hera and the festival of Nemea. [200]

However, war with Persia caused the fall of Mycenae.

In 480 BC, Mycenae sent 80 men to fight at Thermopylae, but Argos was unable to send any troops. [201]

Earlier, Argos had lost most of its male citizens in a battle with Cleomenes, son of Anaxandridas of Lacedaemon. [202]

In 468 BC, Argos attacked Mycenae, starved the Mycenaeans who were holed up within its walls, and destroyed Mycenae. [203]

Pausanias reports that Argos destroyed Mycenae out of jealousy. [204]

The Mycenaeans, deprived of their homes, emigrated to other places.

11.1 Emigration to Macedonia

Most of the Mycenaeans fled to Macedonia, seeking protection from Alexander, son of Amyntas. [205]

Herodotus reports that Alexander was recognized as a Greek and participated in the Olympics. [206]

The Mycenaeans must have known that Alexander was a descendant of Temenus of Argos.

It is presumed that the Mycenaeans took refuge with the native of Argos who had driven them out because Alexander was a descendant of Perseus, the founder of the Mycenae.

The rulers of Argos had ceased to be descendants of Temenus more than 200 years earlier. [207]

11.2 Emigration to Cleonae

Some of the Mycenaeans fled to nearby Cleonae. [208]

Strabo reports that when Mycenae was destroyed, Cleonae, along with Tegea, joined the forces of Argos. [209]

Strabo also reports that Mycenae had become a Heracleidae some time before this, so he appears to have consulted an incorrect source.

Cleonae was ruled by Agamedidas, the great-grandson of Ctesippus, the son of Heracles, a member of the Heracleidae, but the town's inhabitants were Achaeans. [210]

11.3 Emigration to Ceryneia

Part of the Mycenaeans fled to Ceryneia in Achaia. [211]

Ceryneia is listed by Pausanias as one of the twelve cities of Achaia, and was founded by the Achaeans under Tisamenus, son of Orestes, who had been driven out by the Heracleidae. [212]

Accepting the Mycenaeans as fellow residents, Ceryneia became populous and powerful. [213]

End