Mycenaean Greece: A Part of the Ancient Near East or Not?

The extent to which Mycenaean Greece was a part of the Ancient Near East has long been a topic of scholarly debate. While these Mycenaean civilizations were indeed interconnected through trade and sometimes diplomatic relations, their involvement in this broader ancient world was not as central as often depicted.

Trade Contact with Egypt

Mycenaean Greeks were known to engage in extensive trade with the Egyptians. Archaeological evidence, particularly the discoveries of Mycenaean artifacts in Egyptian tombs and temple remains, highlights this relationship. For instance, Linear B tablets found in Egypt provide evidence of these trade interactions, suggesting that Mycenaeans participated in the broader network of trade that included Near Eastern powers.

Colonies in Ionia

The establishment of colonies in Ionia also indicates Mycenaean expansion and interaction with other regions of the Mediterranean. These colonies were not just sources of resources but also served as cultural and economic nexuses. This is evidenced by the presence of Mycenaean pottery and other cultural artifacts in Ionia.

Diplomatic Relations with the Hittites

Mycenaean Greece had both good and poor relations with the Hittites at different times. Historical records indicate that there were periods when the Mycenaeans had positive diplomatic relations, possibly involving treaties and alliances. However, at other times, these relations were less favorable, characterized by tensions or conflicts. The Mycenaeans were involved in the Arzawa business, which was a region west of the Hittites and sometimes rebellious. The Trojan War, while fabled, might have some basis in these geopolitical tensions, with Mycenaeans (or Ahhiyawans, as they were known to the Hittites) being connected to Arzawa.

Arzawa and the Ahhiyawans

Arzawa, a region west of the Hittites, had connections to the Ahhiyawans, a term that was likely used by the Hittites to refer to the Mycenaeans. According to Hittite reports, the Ahhiyawans were influential in Arzawa, and this might explain the occasional rebellion and the Mycenaean involvement in the region. This connection is further supported by archaeological and epigraphical evidence, such as the Milinawas revolt and the correspondence relating to Mycenaeans in the Hittite archives.

Apart from Mesopotamia

While the Mycenaeans were certainly part of the broader eastern Mediterranean trade network, their direct involvement with the core of the Ancient Near East, specifically Mesopotamia, is less evident. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Mycenaeans communicated in Akkadian or had any widespread influence in Mesopotamian affairs. The Mycenaeans were more involved in trading tin, copper, olive oil, and luxury items with other coastal nations, enhancing their role in the broader Mediterranean network.

Conclusion

Overall, while Mycenaean Greece was undeniably a part of the Ancient Near East through trade and limited diplomatic relations, their significance in the broader Near Eastern context was not as central as many may assume. The Mycenaeans were more influential in the eastern Mediterranean trade network, connecting numerous coastal nations, rather than being a core part of the Mesopotamian world.