The western slope of Mycenae was covered by an extensive cemetery within which were two circular areas set aside for royal burials. The earlier, Circle B, used around 1650-1550 BC, contained the graves of 24 individuals, mostly set in deep shafts sunk into the ground. The graves were richly furnished with exotic and luxurious materials.
In the later, Circle A, dated around 1550-1450 BC, six deep shaft graves contained the remains of nineteen men, women and children, along with grave goods of fabulous richness. These included the famous gold death mask fancifully called the 'Mask of Agamemnon', bronze weapons including daggers inlaid with exquisite scenes in gold and silver, vessels of stone, faience, silver and bronze, gold cups and jewellery.
In the 13th century BC, the wall around Mycenae's citadel was extended to include Circle A, perhaps to protect these earlier burials but more probably just because it was a good defensive line.
