What kinds of artifacts did Heinrich Schliemann find in the shaft graves at Mycenae?

In 1876, Heinrich Schliemann excavated five shaft graves within the citadel walls at Mycenae, uncovering a vast collection of artifacts buried with 16 individuals. These graves were exceptionally rich in portable wealth, primarily consisting of gold, silver, bronze, and ivory objects.123

Key findings included:

• Gold and Silver Items: The graves contained a fantastic array of gold and silver cups, jewelry, and dress ornaments. Notably, gold portrait masks were found covering the faces of some of the men. Other gold items included diadems, elaborate hairpins, and thousands of small disks that may have been sewn onto clothing or coffins.34
• Weapons: The men were buried with numerous bronze weapons, including slashing knives, spearheads, and rapier-like swords. Many of these weapons featured gold-plated hilts and pommels made of ivory, gold, or polished stone.3
• Inlaid Metalwork: Some bronze dagger blades were decorated with intricate "painting in metals," using gold, silver, electrum, and black niello to depict scenes such as lion hunts and animals in natural settings.43
• Ritual and Decorative Objects: The collection included faience "sacral knots," dolphin-appliquéd ostrich eggs, and gold images of bulls and shrine facades, reflecting significant Cretan influence.3