 The construction of defensive structures was closely linked with the establishment of the palaces in mainland Greece . The principal Mycenaean centers were well fortified and usually situated on an elevated terrain , like on the acropolis of Athens , Tiryns and Mycenae or on coastal plains , in the case of Gla . Mycenaean Greeks in general appreciated the symbolism of war as expressed in defensive architecture , thus they aimed also at the visual impressiveness of their fortifications . 
