 Mycenaean armies were initially based on heavy infantry , equipped with spears , large shields and in some occasion armor . Later in the 13th century BC , Mycenaean warfare underwent major changes both in tactics and weaponry and armed units became more uniform and flexible , while weapons became smaller and lighter . The spear remained the main weapon among Mycenaean warriors , while the sword played a secondary role in combat . Other offensive weapons used were bows , maces , axes , slings and javelins . The precise role and contribution of chariots on the battlefield is a matter of dispute due to the lack of sufficient evidence . It appears that chariots were initially used as a fighting vehicle during the 16th to 14th century BC while later in the 13th century BC their role was limited to a battlefield transport . 
