The Mycenaeans were an ancient civilization that emerged in the Late Bronze Age, around 1600 BCE, on the Greek mainland. They were named after the archaeological site of Mycenae, where the famous Lion Gate and other grand structures provide a glimpse into their world. The Mycenaeans are often considered the first advanced civilization in mainland Greece, predating the well-known Classical period that would later give birth to iconic figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.