Final answer:
The megaron is the site in a Mycenaean citadel where the king's throne and the altar for communicating with the gods were located. It played a central role in royal and ceremonial functions, influencing the later design of Greek temples.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a Mycenaean citadel, the megaron is the site of the king's throne and the altar that communicates with the gods. The megaron was the central hall or reception area in the palatial complexes, often serving as the main space for royal functions and ceremonial purposes. It was characterized by a large, rectangular room with an open hearth surrounded by four columns and a roof with an oculus for venting smoke. Over time, the architectural design of the megaron influenced the formation of Greek temples during the classical period. The citadel site of Mycenae, known for its iconic Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus, reflected the culture's need for military might and protection, with strong cyclopean masonry walls and well-protected gates. Another significant site, Tiryns, boasted similar fortifications and featured tightly controlled access to its megaron and main rooms, underscoring strategic defensive considerations.