People > Heinrich Schliemann

Heinrich Schliemann

Background

Heinrich Schliemann (1822-1890) was a German businessman and pioneering archaeologist, best known for his excavations of the ancient cities of Troy and Mycenae. His work was instrumental in advancing the study of Aegean civilization and bringing to light the historical basis of Homeric epics.

Early Life and Career:

Schliemann was born in Neubukow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin (now Germany). He had a difficult childhood and initially worked as a grocer’s apprentice. Driven by a passion for learning, he taught himself several languages and eventually became a successful businessman, amassing a considerable fortune through trade and investments.

Archaeological Contributions:

1. Troy: Inspired by his fascination with Homer's "Iliad," Schliemann set out to locate the ancient city of Troy. He conducted excavations at Hisarlik, in modern-day Turkey, in the 1870s. Despite using methods that were often destructive by modern standards, Schliemann uncovered several layers of settlement, identifying what he believed to be the Homeric Troy. His discovery of a cache of gold and other artifacts, which he named "Priam's Treasure," garnered worldwide attention.

2. Mycenae: Schliemann later turned his attention to the Greek mainland, excavating the site of Mycenae in the 1870s. There, he discovered the famous "Mask of Agamemnon," along with other significant artifacts, which provided valuable insights into the Mycenaean civilization described in Homeric poems.

Legacy and Controversy:

Schliemann's work was groundbreaking and brought significant attention to the field of archaeology. However, his methods were often criticized for their lack of precision and destructiveness. He sometimes made overly ambitious claims and interpretations about his findings, which have been revised by later scholarship.

Despite these controversies, Schliemann's contributions to archaeology were substantial. He played a key role in popularizing the study of ancient civilizations and inspired future generations of archaeologists. His determination and passion for uncovering the past left a lasting impact on the understanding of ancient Greek history and mythology.

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