Big Picture

Persied Dynasty:

• begins the story of Mycenaeans
• huge hero: Perseus, a demi-god; the Perseid dynasty ruled Mycenae for at least three generations and ended with the rule of Eurytheus, whom legends claim commissioned Hercules to perform the 12 labors. When Eurytheus died in battle, Atreus became king of Mycenae. Mycenae is perhaps best known in mythology as the city of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus.:

Atreid Dynasty: followed the Persied dynasty

• Atreus
• either an uncle who raised Agamemnon and Menelaus: or,
• the father of Agamemnon and Menelaus