The Ancient Mycenaean Civilization

Not much is know about the ancient Mycenaeans, but it has been discovered that their culture was very similar to that of the ancient Minoans. They differed, however, in their warfare. While the Minoans didn't rely at all on defenses because of their naval power, the Mycenaeans fortified their cities, and spent large amounts of money constructing fortifications. They were constantly on the defensive, but they also went abroad trading or raiding. Ancient texts in Asia Minor recorded raids and attacks from the Mycenae, and the Egyptians recorded that the people of Mycenae were raiders.
The Mycenaean culture revolved around a war chief, or wanax. Because of their warlike nature, the Mycenae didn't use the hierarchical structure as the Minoans did. When the wanax died, the people buried him. Depending on the wanax's power, he would be buried differently. If he had been extremely powerful, he would have been buried in a deep shaft with large amounts of gold, jewelery, and pottery. In the later years of their civilization, the Mycenae started to bury their leaders in Tholos tombs, which were large caves cut into the sides of hills, and then covered.
The architecture of the Mycenae was very similar to the Minoan, but it varied in style and decoration. The Minoans' architectural style was very elaborate and decorative, but the Mycenaean was more robust and practical. Their cities and fortresses were encompassed by huge perimeter walls. the Mycenaean art centered around war and hunting, unlike the Minoan art.