Mycenae is the largest and most important center of the civilization that was named 'Mycenaean' after this very citadel. It is the culture that dominated mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and the shores of Asia Minor during the late Bronze Age era. The Mycenaean Era occupies the tail end of the Helladic Civilization, which flourished in mainland Greece since 3000 BCE. The Lion Gate is the sole surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture. The heads of both lions are lost but would probably be turned to face those entering the city gate. Mycenae itself is a stage upon which unfolds the great Greek dramas starting with Homer's Iliad.