Chapter II: Topography of Mycenæ

GATE OF THE LIONS AND TREASURY OF ATREUS.

The road from Argos to Mycenæ--The Plain of Argos: its rivers and
hills, horses and vegetation--Myth regarding its arid nature--Swamps
in the southern part; and fable of the Lernæan hydra--Early social
develop-ment here--Legend of Phoroneus--The Pelasgian Argos--The Achæan
states of Argos and Mycenæ--Situation of Mycenæ--The _Citadel_ and
its Cyclopean walls--The term defined--"Gate of the Lions"--The postern
gate--Cisterns--Poetical confusion of Argos and Mycenæ.

The _Lower City_: its house-walls, bridge, treasuries, and
pottery--Its partially enclosing wall--The undefended suburb, and its
large buildings--Its extent--The only two wells in Mycenæ--Three
Treasuries in the suburb--Treasuries in the Lower City--Description of
the "Treasury of Atreus"--Dodwell's Argument for regarding the building
as a Treasury--Uniqueness of these structures--Excavation of the
Treasury by Veli Pasha 23