 The palatial structures of mainland Greece share a number of common features . The focal point of the socio @-@ political aspect of a Mycenaean palace was the megaron , the throne room . It was laid out around a circular hearth surrounded by four columns . The throne was generally found on the right @-@ hand side upon entering the room , while the interior of the megaron was lavishly decorated , which flaunted images designed intentionally to demonstrate the political and religious power of the ruler . Access to the megaron was provided through a court , which is reached from a <unk> . The iconography of the palatial chambers is remarkably uniform throughout Greece . For instance , in Pylos and Tiryns the paintings are focused on marine motives , providing depictions of octopi , fish and dolphins . Around the megaron a group of courtyards each opening upon several rooms of different dimensions , such as storerooms and workshops , as well as reception halls and living quarters . In general Mycenaean palaces have yielded a wealth of artifacts and fragmentary frescoes . 
