The Mycenaeans lived mainly on the Greek mainland, especially in the Peloponnese. Their best-known center was Mycenae in the Argolid, and they also had major sites like Tiryns, Pylos, Thebes, and Athens, with influence across the Aegean.

Quick Scoop

They were a Late Bronze Age Greek civilization, centered in fortified palace towns on mainland Greece. Mycenaean settlements and influence also reached islands in the Aegean and parts of Asia Minor.

Main centers

  • Mycenae, in the northeast Peloponnese.
  • Tiryns and Pylos in the Peloponnese.
  • Thebes and Athens in central Greece.

In simple terms

If you want the shortest answer: they lived in ancient Greece, mostly on the mainland, with Mycenae as their most famous city.