In the northeastern Peloponnese, just inland from the Saronic Gulf, the fortified hilltop of Mycenae rose to prominence during the second millennium BCE. By around 1600 BCE, it had become one of the most powerful centers in the Aegean world, lending its name to the entire era now known as the Mycenaean period (ca. 1600–1100 BCE). At its height around 1350 BCE, Mycenae supported a population of roughly 30,000 people, sprawling over 32 hectares, and exercised control over southern Greece, parts of Crete, the Cyclades, and even southwestern Anatolia. The grandeur of Mycenae is still evident in its architecture. The imposing Lion Gate, massive Cyclopean walls, and the monumental beehive tomb known as the Treasury of Atreus reflect both the engineering skill and political power of its rulers. Along with nearby Tiryns, Mycenae exemplified early Greek urban planning and left a legacy that would influence Greek and European architectural traditions. Linked closely to Homeric legend, Mycenae is traditionally considered the seat of Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. The site's historical importance was affirmed in 1700 when Venetian engineer Francesco Vandeyk correctly identified it using ancient sources. Excavations in the 19th century, notably by Heinrich Schliemann, confirmed its association with a rich Late Bronze Age civilization. The earliest known Greek language records—Linear B tablets—have also been found here and at Tiryns. Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Mycenae, alongside Tiryns, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Today, both are protected under strict Greek antiquities laws, with oversight from the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Ongoing archaeological research continues to uncover new aspects of Mycenaean society, ensuring that the legacy of Mycenae remains central to understanding the roots of ancient Greek civilization.