Travel back to 1899, the golden age of Egyptology! In Mykerinos, you take on the role of an ambitious archaeologist seeking glory and precious relics in the sands of Egypt. But you aren't digging alone; you work for powerful benefactors — such as Lady Violet or Colonel Tangerine — who demand results so their pieces can shine in the museum's grand final exhibition.

The gameplay unfolds over four intense rounds. The board is modular and dynamic, composed of cards that form excavation areas with square grids. Some of these areas contain obstacles, like the famous pyramids, which can thwart your plans. To conquer the terrain, you must manage your pool of archaeologists: you spend one professional to start an excavation or two extra ones to expand your influence in an area already occupied.

The game is a strategic tug-of-war. You must decide whether to use the special abilities of the benefactors (which help you bypass obstacles or retrieve your team faster) or focus on securing area majority to collect relic cards. But beware: the strategy doesn't end in the field. Visiting the Museum is crucial to multiply the value of certain card colors at the end of the game, turning your discoveries into real prestige.

At the end of the fourth round, the exhibition opens. Victory goes to the player with the most points, combining the value of collected cards, museum position bonuses, and the versatility of having collected relics from all benefactors. It's a game of positioning, resource management, and timing, where every move on the board can change who will become Europe's most renowned archaeologist.