This was the "cultural centre" of Mycenae. A place for the artists who embraced and promoted the cultural profile of the palace to stay, meet and make preparations. Painters, ceramists, blacksmiths and goldsmiths, were the craftsmen each palace had. They manufactured jewellery, small objects and weapons, all valuable items for the rulers of Mycenae. The ceramists, who knew well the art of pottery-making, took care to produce the household and storing vessels of the Megaron. What's more, they made the large jars in which they could store supplies but also transport merchandise; an art that contributed to growth and moreover, to the expansion of Mycenaean trade. Blacksmiths were the ones who could preserve and reinforce the palace's arsenal. They manufactured battle chariots, elaborate swords, and the famous "figure of eight" shields of the Mycenaean army.
Goldsmiths were the craftsmen who enhanced the myth of the "abounding in gold Mycenae". Having the expertise to clean gold from its admixtures, they processed and crafted it. Examples of their art survived and were highlighted by the archaeological pickaxe, found as grave goods of the funerary customs. Moreover, the vast amount of ivory items stands witness of the knowledge of processing this rare material. Nevertheless, the artists who depicted more vividly the Mycenaean world were the painters of the magnificent frescoes that decorated the buildings of the palace.
Under the palace's shadow, lived a plenitude of people: passing-by visitors, slaves, wandering rhapsodes, amusing mimes who entertained at the gatherings. Many of them were invited personally by the ruler to reinforce his reputation and glamour. Indeed, many masterpieces were created for a ruler "upon demand". In the ancient world but also in our modern times, art of a high aesthetic value reveals the high standard of living; similarly, in ancient societies it reinforced their civilization.
