The Mycenaean civilization existed between the approximate time period of 1,600 B.C. and 1,100 B.C. This civilization is believed to have survived through conquest over other lands.

The land did not just appear as Mycenae, so, as is common throughout history, man created myths which were meant to supply answers to their questions. One such myth presents the idea that Mycenae was founded by Perseus. Perseus was the son of Denae and Zeus and he was the grandson of King Acrisius of Argo.

It had been foretold that a child from Denae would kill Acrisius. To prevent this, Acrisius locked Denae in a tower. Zeus still managed to get to her and Denae became pregnant with Perseus. Still trying to prevent his own death, Acrisius locked the mother and son in a chest and tossed the chest into the sea.

Zeus asked Poseidon to assist the chest to land on the island of Seriphus. On the island they were found by Dictys, a fisherman. Perseus grew up on the island until he was a mighty young man.

The king on this island, Dictys’s brother, was Polydectes. He fell in love with Denae, however he did not like Perseus. One day, the king invited Perseus to a party where he was to announce his marriage to another woman. As a wedding gift, Perseus promised the king to give whatever gift was desired. The king told Perseus to bring him the head of the Gorgon Medusa. This was done knowing that if Perseus returned home to fulfill this wish, Perseus would die. Perseus agreed to the request.

Armed with an adamantine sickle that was presented to him by Hermes. while Medusa slept, Perseus severed her head from her body, then escaped.

Perseus eventually married Andromeda and they had a son, Perses. Perseus decided to return to Seriphus without his son. Upon his return, Perseus discovered how Polydectes had pursued Denae in his absence until she was able to find refuge in a temple with Dictys.

Perseus approached Polydectes in his court and withdrew the head of Medusa from his bag. Upon seeing the head, all those in the court, except Perseus, turned to stone. He then gave Medusa’s head to Athena to place in the center of her aegis.

Persus, his wife and mother decided to return to Argos. After hearing about his grandson’s deed and the plan to return to Argos, Acrisius ran. Not wanting to hurt the man, Perseus followed him to Larisa in Thessaly.

The king of Larisa was holding funeral games at this time for his father. Wanting to demonstrate his athletic ability, Perseus competed with the discus. When he released the discus, the wind took it and the discus killed Acrisius.

Perseus, in shame, traded what was now his kingdom to his great uncle Proetus for the city of Tiryns. This meant Perseus was now king of this other city. While reigning, he discovered another city which he named Mycenae. Mycenae became more powerful, over time, than Tiryns.

Mycenae continued in this role until its destruction.