5.
During the Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC) Mycenae was a fortified hill surrounded by hamlets and estates in contrast to the dense urbanity on the coast (e.g. Argos). Since Mycenae was the capital of a state that ruled much of the eastern Mediterranean world, the rulers must have placed their stronghold in this less populated and more remote region for its defensive value.
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Treasury of Atreus, 13th century BC royal tholos tomb near Mycenae Lion Gate, main entrance Mycenae, 13th century BC
Like Messenia, Arcadia was threatened by Spartan aggression but successfully resisted; at the battle of the Fetters (550 BC) they defeated the Spartans. Following this the Spartans changed their tactics, from conquest to alliance building and the Peloponnesian League emerged.
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For the next 2 centuries Sparta dominated the city states of the Peloponnesus. In 370, in an attempt to maintain some prestige & status (following their defeat by Thebes at Leuctra, 371 BC) they invaded Arcadia. The latter appealed to Boeotia (home of the polis Thebes). Boeotia responded and a large army (led by Epaminondas) marched on Sparta and then Messenia where the helots were already rebelling. Epaminondas made that rebellion permanent by fortifying the city of Messene.
