ORIGINAL:TOMBS TIRYNS; MAY- 1998second 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. In 1874 Heinrich Schliemann undertook excavations. the historical truth of the Homeric stories come to life ai the sites here in the valley of Argos. We see the ancient shaft graves of the Hellenic heros of Homer. ' gazed upon the face of Agamemnon'. more scientific excavations have taken place. 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? 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 THE MANY OF THE THOLOS GRAVES AND SHAFT TOMES OF LOST GREEK HEROS-HERE IS A DETAIL VIEW OF THE TOP PART THOLOS The top part of the tomb excellent detail of the structure and the way ; on how the layers of stones where used