The Lion's Bar

Overview
Dr. Blackwell has done extensive research on the Mycenae’s Lion’s Gate and preliminary research on the Treasury of Atreus. He believes the gate had attachable lion heads that looked back because that would distribute the weight best considering the dowel holes; based on the bodies’ definition and the space for a mane, he thinks they are male lions. He believes the Lion’s Gate relief was at least inspired by Anatolians, specifically by the Hittites. Based on appearance alone, the Lion’s Gate is more three-dimensional than other purely Greek reliefs, and the column is more plain than others, like the ones in the Treasury of Atreus. Perhaps, artisans from the Hittite Empire came to Mycenae in a trade of skilled persons between Mycenae and Hittites, so they could have done some the work themselves. Evidence has been found to suggest the Hittites knew and eventually allied with the Mycenaeans, if Ahhiyawa does refer to Mycenae. Primarily, Dr. Blackwell has meticulously located and studied the numerous tool marks on the …show more content…
Blackwell discussed directly link to Agamemnon because Mycenae is where Agamemnon and his family are thought to come from. Dr. Blackwell brought up the wealth of Mycenae’s population as seen in the elaborate Treasury of Atreus or in prosperous grave circles. In Aeschylus’ Agamemnon, Agamemnon and his kingdom is extremely rich, so even if he was not real there is link to the real, wealthy city influencing the myth. Aeschylus does not directly say the House of Atreus is rich, but it is heavily suggested by the play’s details; for example, Aegisthus has gained enough from Agamemnon’s death to look into buying support from the citizens, or they have tapestries worthy of sacrifice to the gods just lying around. Dr. Blackwell said the Lion’s Gate relief was to show off Mycenae’s wealth and prowess, which is a rather prideful way to exhibit wealth. Agamemnon and his people are proud of their home, as most Greeks are of their city