About the tomb

This tholos tomb is conventionally known today by the name Tomb of Clytemnestra. It is the newest of the Mycenean tombs, the second largest after the tomb of Atreus and the simplest construction-wise. It is located outside the Acropolis, but inside the archeological site of Mycenae, and it dates back to around 1220 BC., subsequently to the tomb of Atreus.

This tomb had remained unknown until 1809, when it was discovered by chance by some villagers, who were working on the aqueduct of the village of Harvati, the former name of the present settlement of Mycenae. The aqueduct accidentally run through the dome of the tomb and the slab, which covered the opening of the upper part, was found. Veli Pasha of Nafplio ordered the demolition of the highest part of the dome and through that, the tomb was emptied. Although the findings remain unknown, the imagination of the locals sculpted a myth about treasures so great that required the use of many animals to transport them.

After its destruction and looting by Velis Pasha of Nafplio, the rainfalls and the unfavorable weather contributed to the deterioration of the condition of the monument, until the Archeological Service took care of its preservation in 1951. Nowadays, it resembles closely its original image, comparable with the Treasury of Atreus, with its excellent construction,
picturesque road and monumental entrance.

Its chamber has a diameter of 13.50 m. and its after-restoration height is 13 m. Up to the height of 8.55 m. the original form of the dome has been maintained.

It is noteworthy that it has a rainwater drainage system. We do not know who was buried in this tomb, but the imagination of the villagers attributed the monument to Queen Clytemnestra