Midea and Dendra: The Citadel and the Royal Tomb
If you've already seen the Dendra panoply at Nafplio's Archaeological Museum, this is where it was found — along with the citadel likely ruled by the warrior who wore it.
Midea and Dendra are two distinct sites just 3 kilometres apart, presented together because they're directly connected: Midea was the fortified citadel, Dendra the cemetery of its rulers.
The Citadel of Midea
Midea is considered the third most important fortified Mycenaean citadel in Argolida, after Mycenae and Tiryns. Its cyclopean walls and extensive fortifications, together with recent excavation finds, rank it among the most significant Mycenaean centres in all of mainland Greece.
The Dendra Cemetery
On the southwestern slope of a low hill, west of the Midea citadel, lies the Dendra cemetery — one of the most important Mycenaean cemeteries in the Peloponnese.
Excavation history: It came to light in 1926 through Swedish archaeologist Axel W. Persson. Excavations continued for decades, culminating in 1960 — the most significant moment — with N. Verdelis and Swedish archaeologist Paul Åström. In total, one tholos tomb and sixteen chamber tombs were uncovered.
The tholos tomb, built around 1400 BC, has a dromos 17.90 metres long and an almost circular chamber. It's considered a royal tomb, likely linked to the seat of Midea's ruler himself, in use from 1450 to 1180 BC.
The "Tomb of the Panoply"
In 1960, chamber tomb 12 revealed the most significant find of the entire cemetery: the bronze Dendra panoply, the oldest intact bronze suit of armour ever found, dating to the late 15th century BC. It weighs 15 kilos and consists of large plates covering the warrior's entire body, found alongside bronze greaves and a boar's-tusk helmet with bronze cheek-pieces.
Horse sacrifices: Near several tombs, three pairs of horses were found buried, a practice linked to chariot use and the prestige of Mycenaean lords.
Where to See the Finds
The portable finds are on display today at the Nafplio Archaeological Museum and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Practical Information
Location: Dendra village, near Midea, Argolida
Hours / Ticket price: Contact
Time needed: 45 minutes - 1 hour for both sites together
See Also
Where was the Dendra panoply found?
In chamber tomb 12 of the Dendra cemetery, in 1960.
What's the relationship between Midea and Dendra?
Midea was the fortified citadel, Dendra its rulers' cemetery.
