 Stirrup jars ( Linear B : ka @-@ ra @-@ re @-@ u , khlareus ; " oil vessel " ) , specifically , were first invented on the island of Crete during the 16th century BC and used widely by the Mycenaeans from 1400 BC onward for transporting and storing wine and oil ; the jars were usually pear @-@ shaped or globular . As for stemmed cups ( or kylikes ) , they evolved from Ephyraean goblets and a large quantity was discovered at a site called the " Potter 's Shop " located in Zygouries . Mycenaean drinking vessels such as the stemmed cups contained single decorative motifs such as a shell , an octopus or a flower painted on the side facing away from the drinker . The Mycenaean Greeks also painted entire scenes ( called " Pictorial Style " ) on their vessels depicting warriors , chariots , horses and deities reminiscent of events described in Homer 's Iliad . Other items developed by the Mycenaeans include clay lamps , as well as metallic vessels such as bronze tripod cauldrons ( or basins ) . A few examples of vessels in faience and ivory are also known . 
