n the second millennium BC Mycenae was one of the major centres of Greek civilization; a military stronghold which dominated much of southern Greece. The period of Greek history from about 1600 BC to about 1100 BC is called Mycenaean in reference to Mycenae. The first excavations at Mycenae were carried out by the Greek archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis in 1841. He found and restored the Lion Gate. In 1874 Heinrich Schliemann arrived at the site and undertook a complete excavation. Schliemann believed in the historical truth of the Homeric stories and interpreted the site accordingly. He found the ancient shaft graves with their royal skeletons and spectacular grave goods. Upon discovering a human skull beneath a gold death mask in one of the tombs; he declared: 鈥業 have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon'. Since Schliemann's day more scientific excavations have taken place at Mycenae; mainly by Greek archaeologists but also by the British School at Athens. The acropolis was excavated in 1902; and the surrounding hills have been methodically investigated by subsequent excavations. Classical Greek myths assert that Mycenae was founded by Perseus; grandson of king Acrisius of Argos; son of Acrisius' daughter; Dana毛. Having killed his grandfather by accident; Perseus could not; or would not; inherit the throne of Argos. Instead he arranged an exchange of realms with his cousin; Megapenthes; and became king of Tiryns; Megapenthes taking Argos. From there he founded Mycenae and ruled the kingdoms jointly from Mycenae. IN THE PHOTO WEST SIDE VIEW OF THE ACROPOLIS OF MYCENAE