Heinrich Schliemann
Heinrich Schliemann was a German businessman, archaeologist, and self-taught enthusiast of ancient history, best known for his excavation of Troy and the uncovering of the Mycenaean civilization. Here is a detailed overview:
Early Life and Career
- Born on January 6, 1822, in Neubukow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany.
- Schliemann's early life was marked by poverty, but he was driven by a childhood fascination with the Iliad, which led him to dream of finding Troy.
- He became a successful businessman, amassing a fortune through international trade and speculation, which later funded his archaeological pursuits.
Archaeological Endeavors
- Discovery of Troy: In 1870, Schliemann began excavations at Hissarlik in Turkey, which he believed to be the site of ancient Troy. He discovered what he believed to be the city of Troy, although his methods were later criticized for their lack of scientific rigor.
- Excavations at Mycenae: Following his work in Troy, Schliemann turned his attention to Mycenae, where he uncovered the famous Mask of Agamemnon and other treasures from the Shaft Graves, revealing the wealth and sophistication of the Mycenaean civilization.
Controversies and Legacy
- Schliemann's methods were often criticized for their destructiveness. His haste to find treasures led to the destruction of layers of archaeological evidence, which would have been invaluable for understanding the chronology of the sites.
- There have been questions about the authenticity of some of his discoveries, particularly regarding the Mask of Agamemnon, which some scholars suggest might have been planted by Schliemann.
- Despite these controversies, Schliemann's work brought significant attention to the field of archaeology and helped to popularize the study of ancient civilizations.
Personal Life
- Schliemann married three times. His first wife was Ekaterina Petrovna Lyssin, followed by Sophia Engastromenos, who famously helped him at the excavation sites and became a symbol of the romanticism surrounding archaeology at the time.
- He was fluent in multiple languages and was known for his linguistic prowess, which he used to engage with locals during his travels and excavations.
Death
- Schliemann died on December 26, 1890, in Naples, Italy, due to complications from an ear infection.
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