Nestor's Palace, Pylos

In the continuation of comparing Minoan and Mykenaen civilizations, we revisited Pylos and Nestor's Palace.  I suppose this site was the impetus for the comparison since a recent article about a recent archaeological find had prompted the re-examination of whether these were two distinct groups, or related.  We will need to spend some time with our photographs and site maps before we make our own observations.  I will note that the signage at both here and Mykines now talk about Minoan influences, which had not been a part of the discussion the last time we visited.

In the meantime, here are some amazing new perspectives on this site--the cultural ministry with a huge EU grant have renovated the site so it is a modern arched covering with a transparent section to simulate the sunlight as it would have passed over the interior courtyard, and elevated walkways so one can see the interrelation of the rooms, and not get distracted by the maze of low walls.  

Propylon (entrance)--double vestibule with columns into interior courtyard.  The King's megaron (great hall) is further back.

Note the light spilling into the porch (courtyard)--this would have been open, so this simulation fascinated me to consider how other rooms would have been lit.

 Another view of the porch

  Vestibule and king's megaron.

King's megaron.  Throne would be inset on left wall (there is a square which indicates the area).  Two circular depressions with connecting trench are now believed to be related to ritual offerings of wine.

You can still see original paint around the hearth in a few places.  

And in my post from 2012, I was able to get close enough to the interior walls to see paint around the throne.  

Queen's megaron with center hearth.  

Foreground, outdoor courtyard.

Archives.  

Note the raised area for storing clay tablets.

Wine magazines, conveniently located behind the King's megaron.  

  Stairs!!!

  Not Stairs!!!  This is the first and perhaps the only archaeological site which is ADA compliant.  There is a wheelchair accessible ramp and a small open elevator to allow a visitor to access the upper walkways.  We've also noticed with some frequency signs in Braille, and even one which was tactile of the plants in the area.

Here are some Easter Eggs of photos I probably wasn't supposed to take of the adjacent dig site.  The warrior's grave was identified in 2015, and the article was just published in 2023.  We understand that all the areas have been thoroughly and completely excavated that this is no longer "active", but there are still all the indicia one people there.  Not sure they are "working".  

  Left of the Tholos Tomb

  Right of the Tholos Tomb, covered in two types of tarps.  Office/shed on right side.  "Main entrance" right of the Tholos Tomb