Mycenae is an archaeological site 120 km SW of Athens.
During the late bronze Age, it was one of major centres of Greek civilization.
The period of Greek history between 1600-1100 BCE, is called 'Mycenaean' in reference to Mycenae.
Image of Lion/Lioness gate at Mycenae
At its peak in 1350 BC, the citadel and lower town had a population of 30,000 and an area of 32 hectares.
The Mycenaeans have been described in the Linear B tablets, by the Hittites in their diplomatic correspondence, and by Homer who describes it as 'rich in gold'.
Perhaps Mycenae was the strongest of all the Greek regions in those times, bounded by a loose confederation.
This confederation, perhaps sacked Troy ( Wallusia, in Hittite texts) in the Asia Minor.
Image of a Mycenaean Woman
During excavations in 1876, Heinrich Schilliman found graves of Mycenaean kings along with their swords, cups and other valuable items.
Schliemann also found a golden mask, which is popularly know as 'Mask of Agamemnon', after the legendary king of Mycenae, under whose leadership the Greeks sacked troy in around 1250 BCE.
As per the Linear B tablets, several religious sancturies are mentioned, which are dedicated to number of deities.
Poseidon, mentioned as 'Po-se-da-o', was connected with earthquakes ( E-ne-si-da-o-ne =earth shaker).
Domingo Paes was a Portuguese traveller, who visited Vijaynagara in c. 1520 and has left a detailed and vivid description of Vijaynagara and the emperor.
His account is one of the very few descriptions of Vijaynagara by a foreign traveller.
Appearance of Raya
This is what Paes says about the Emperors' appearance:
"The king is of medium height, has a fair complexion and a good figure. He is of cheerful disposition, honours foreigners, receives them kindly and asks all about their affairs.... "
The story is taken from Ramayana, where Ravana, because of his victories against Gods and humans becomes so arrogant that he now wants to lift up the Kailasha, which is an abode of his benefactor God, Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Let's look at the details of this sculpture, which is at cave number 29, Ellora.
The thread would list few of the greatest traitors of India, whose acts allowed foreign rule of the country, for which they were rewarded by the invaders.
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1. Sanggaios or Sanjaya (c. 327 BCE)
Sanggaios was a chieftain under 'Astes' or 'Hastin' during Alexander's invasion.
He betrayed his master and joined the Greeks, who captured the city.
Sanggaios was later given administration of the fallen city by Alexander.
2. Sisicottus or Sasigupta (c. 326 BCE)
Sasigupta was a chieftain of NW of India & helped Alexander during his invasion.
He was an agent of Greek imperialism, who also helped Alexander crush rebellion of Ashvanayas.
He was rewarded with regions like Rock of Aronos to govern.
The thread would detail many of the unknown facts about Gupta empire, which ruled whole of the subcontinent, directly or indirectly, including it's political, cultural, facets.
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1. Gupta Calender
Gupta calender, which started in 319 AD, was officially started by Chandragupta Vikramaditya (375/380-414 AD).
His Mathura pillar inscription of 380, denotes the date of "year 61", corresponding to 319 AD, in which we first come across the Gupta calender.
3. Succession
Gupta emperors got the throne by merit, rather than being the eldest.
Samudragupta may not have been the eldest son of Chandragupta-I, but yet was given the throne.
Similarly, Skandagupta was not the eldest son of Kumaragupta-I, but became an emperor.