Recent Discoveries Bring the Ancient Mycenaean Civilization of Pylos to Life

Ancient Pylos, a beacon of Mycenaean civilization, has long fascinated travelers, archaeologists, and historians alike.

Excavations that began in 1939 unearthed the Palace of Nestor in Messenia, revealing an epicenter of cultural and political significance at the crossroads of Crete, Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt.

Now, in a landmark publication, readers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of life in this storied kingdom during the Late Bronze Age. The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Mycenaean Greece (J. Paul Getty Museum, $65) features essays by an international team of archaeologists that examine key discoveries, including the Linear B tablets—the earliest written form of the Greek language—which document the political, religious, and economic organization of the prosperous Pylian community. New research and cutting-edge science cast light on the 2015 discovery of the Grave of the Griffin Warrior, an extraordinary, intact burial that preserved thousands of artifacts, including the celebrated Pylos Combat Agate, one of the finest works of the Aegean Bronze Age.

Presenting archaeological objects from the Palace of Nestor and tombs of elites, including luminous carved sealstones, goldwork of unparalleled artistry, elaborate weapons, and wall paintings, this volume brings together spectacular finds from 11 sites. With over 300 stunning illustrations, The Kingdom of Pylos is the first major English-language publication to reconstruct the vibrant life of Pylos during the Late Bronze Age. This book is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in ancient civilizations, archaeology, and art history.