Prehistoric and mythological context Helen of Troy

map of homeric greece; menelaus , helen reign on laconia.

the origins of helen s myth date mycenaean age. first record of name appears in poems of homer, scholars assume such myths invented or received mycenaean greeks made way homer. mythological birthplace sparta of age of heroes, features prominently in canon of greek myth: in later ancient greek memory, mycenaean bronze age became age of greek heroes. kings, queens, , heroes of trojan cycle related gods, since divine origins gave stature greeks heroic ancestors. fall of troy came represent fall illustrious heroic age, remembered centuries in oral tradition before being written down. recent archaeological excavations in greece suggest modern-day laconia distinct territory in late bronze age, while poets narrate rich kingdom. archaeologists have unsuccessfully looked mycenaean palatial complex buried beneath present-day sparta.

recent archeological excavations @ menelaion uncovered several findings including 2 mycenaean mansions. these mansions destroyed, earthquake , fire, considered archaeologists possible palace of menelaus , helen. excavations made 1990s present suggest area around menelaion in southern part of eurotas valley seems have been center of mycenaean laconia.