By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

The vibrant frescoes that were discovered in the Religious Center of Mycenae are now depicted in the brand-new video game "Assassin's Creed Odyssey," which features ancient Greek themes.

The ancient world has always captivated the imaginations of historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike. It offers a glimpse into the lives, cultures, and beliefs of our distant ancestors. One such captivating civilization is the Mycenaean civilization, which flourished in Greece during the Late Bronze Age. In a fascinating convergence of history and gaming, the Mycenaean religious frescoes have made a remarkable appearance in the virtual realm through the popular video game 'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey.' Let us delve into the significance of this inclusion and explore the allure of these ancient artworks.

The Mycenaean Civilization

The Mycenaean civilization emerged around the 16th century BCE and reached its peak during the late 13th century BCE. It was renowned for its impressive palaces, fortified cities, and extensive trade networks. The Mycenaeans inherited a rich cultural heritage from their Minoan neighbors, blending it with their own unique religious practices and artistic expressions.

Religious Frescoes in Mycenaean Culture

Among the most striking features of Mycenaean art are the vivid frescoes found in various archaeological sites. These frescoes, painted on palace walls and in private dwellings, offer valuable insights into the religious beliefs and rituals of the Mycenaean people.

Depictions of gods, goddesses, and religious ceremonies adorn these frescoes, showcasing the Mycenaeans' deep-rooted spiritual connection. The gods depicted include Poseidon, Zeus, Hera, Athena, and others, with each deity symbolizing different aspects of the natural world and human existence.

The Inclusion of Mycenaean Frescoes in 'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey'

'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey,' developed by Ubisoft, is a critically acclaimed action role-playing video game that immerses players in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Known for its meticulous attention to historical accuracy, the game recreates the ancient world with stunning detail.

In a remarkable effort to bring history to life, the game designers incorporated Mycenaean frescoes as part of the game's exploration and storytelling. Players can encounter these meticulously recreated artworks within the virtual spaces of the game, allowing them to experience the vibrancy and significance of Mycenaean religious art firsthand.

The traditionally referred-to "religious center" is located in the southwest corner of the Mycenaean acropolis. It is a collection of religious structures, as attested to by the worship discoveries as well as the architectural remnants. Christos Tsountas, a Greek archaeologist, began the excavation at the religious complex. Alan Wace, William D. Taylour, and Georgios Mylonas proceeded and finished the work.

Research established the presence of an altar, a central hearth, a sanctuary, as well as frescoes in the largest room of the complex, known as the "room with the mural," from the early stages of its construction.

On the first level of the mural that is on display in the Museum of Mycenae, two female characters are portrayed.

While the left person, wearing a Minoan outfit, is holding a scepter or spear, the right figure is holding a big sword and is clad in a long, fringed robe. Two male, naked figures that resemble Tanagra shrine idols, or perhaps souls, are hovering between them. A female figure clutching sheaves is depicted on the left and bottom levels of the wall. She is most likely accompanied by a griffin. She wears the distinctive plume worn by sphinxes and the "Prince-Priest" of Knossos, among others.

We lack a precise interpretation of the make-up and personality of these figures, but many opinions have been expressed regarding the sword-wielding figure, identifying her as a "Goddess of War," perhaps a precursor to Pallas Athena, and the figure offering sheaves, identifying her as a deity that represents fertility and agriculture.

It is written as "si-to-po-ti-ni-ja" (Sito Potnia), which means "Lady of the Wheat," in an inscription in Mycenaean Greek (linear B) that has been discovered. This is most likely another name or surname for the goddess Demeter or one of her forebears in the Bronze Age. Her gestures are similarly similar to those of the "Goddess of the Snakes," the primary fertility goddess of Minoan Crete, who held two snakes in each hand.

The Significance of the Inclusion

The inclusion of Mycenaean frescoes in 'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey' serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it introduces players to a lesser-known aspect of ancient Greek civilization, shedding light on the profound role of religion in the daily lives of the Mycenaean people. By interacting with these artworks, players gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual beliefs and rituals that shaped Mycenaean society.

Secondly, it showcases the dedication of game developers to historical authenticity. By painstakingly recreating these frescoes, Ubisoft demonstrates their commitment to creating an immersive and educational experience for players. The inclusion of Mycenaean religious frescoes aligns with the overall goal of 'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey," which is to transport players to an accurate depiction of ancient Greece.

Lastly, the game's inclusion of Mycenaean frescoes encourages players to explore the broader cultural and historical context of the Mycenaean civilization. It sparks curiosity and serves as a gateway for further research, inspiring players to delve deeper into the fascinating world of ancient Greece and its rich artistic heritage.

The appearance of Mycenaean religious frescoes in 'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey' marks a significant milestone in the portrayal of ancient civilizations in video games. By weaving together history, art, and interactive gameplay, the inclusion of these artworks offers players a unique opportunity to engage with the Mycenaean culture on a visual and emotional level.

As we traverse the virtual landscapes of 'Assassin's Creed: Odyssey,' we find ourselves not only embarking on a thrilling adventure but also uncovering the profound religious beliefs and artistic expressions of a civilization that has long faded into the annals of history. The game's dedication to historical accuracy and its celebration of the Mycenaean civilization through their religious frescoes contribute to a richer appreciation of ancient Greece and its lasting influence on our world today.