37 Facts About Heinrich Schliemann

Early Life and Education

Heinrich Schliemann's journey began with humble origins, but his passion for ancient history and languages set him apart early on.

1. Born on January 6, 1822, in Neubukow, Germany, Schliemann was the fifth of nine children.
2. His father, Ernst Schliemann, was a Protestant minister who instilled a love for history in young Heinrich.
3. At age 14, Schliemann left school due to financial difficulties and became an apprentice at a grocery store.
4. Despite his limited formal education, he taught himself several languages, including English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.

Career Beginnings

Schliemann's early career was marked by a series of diverse jobs that eventually led him to success in business.

5. In 1841, he worked as a cabin boy on a ship bound for Venezuela, but the ship wrecked off the Dutch coast.
6. He found work as a clerk in Amsterdam, where he continued to study languages and business.
7. By 1846, Schliemann had moved to St. Petersburg, Russia, where he established a successful import-export business.
8. His business acumen and linguistic skills helped him amass a considerable fortune, which he later used to fund his archaeological pursuits.

Passion for Archaeology

Schliemann's fascination with ancient civilizations drove him to pursue archaeology, despite having no formal training in the field.

9. Inspired by Homer's epics, he became determined to locate the ancient city of Troy.
10. In 1868, he traveled to Greece and Turkey to study ancient sites and gather information.
11. Schliemann believed that the ancient city of Troy was located at Hisarlik, a site in modern-day Turkey.
12. He began excavations at Hisarlik in 1870, using his own funds to finance the project.

Discoveries at Troy

Schliemann's excavations at Hisarlik led to some of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 19th century.

13. In 1873, he uncovered a treasure trove of gold and silver artifacts, which he called "Priam's Treasure."
14. The discovery included jewelry, weapons, and other valuable items, which Schliemann believed belonged to the legendary King Priam of Troy.
15. His findings sparked widespread interest and debate among scholars and the public.
16. Schliemann's methods, however, were often criticized for being destructive and unscientific.

Excavations at Mycenae

After his success at Troy, Schliemann turned his attention to other ancient sites in Greece.

17. In 1876, he began excavations at Mycenae, another site mentioned in Homer's epics.
18. He discovered the famous "Mask of Agamemnon," a gold funeral mask that he believed belonged to the legendary Greek king.
19. Schliemann also uncovered a series of royal tombs containing gold, silver, and bronze artifacts.
20. His discoveries at Mycenae provided valuable insights into the Mycenaean civilization.

Personal Life

Schliemann's personal life was as colorful as his professional career, marked by multiple marriages and a love for travel.

21. In 1852, he married Ekaterina Lyschin, a Russian woman, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1869.
22. He later married Sophia Engastromenos, a Greek woman who shared his passion for archaeology.
23. The couple had two children, Andromache and Agamemnon, named after characters from Greek mythology.
24. Schliemann and his family traveled extensively, visiting archaeological sites and attending academic conferences.

Legacy and Controversies

Schliemann's contributions to archaeology were significant, but his methods and interpretations were often controversial.

25. He is credited with pioneering the field of modern archaeology, despite lacking formal training.
26. Schliemann's discoveries at Troy and Mycenae helped to confirm the historical basis of Homer's epics.
27. Critics argue that his excavation techniques caused irreparable damage to ancient sites.
28. Some scholars believe that Schliemann exaggerated or misinterpreted his findings to fit his theories.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Schliemann continued to explore and write about ancient civilizations.

29. He published several books on his discoveries, including "Ilios" and "Mycenae."
30. Schliemann remained active in the archaeological community, participating in excavations and conferences.
31. In 1890, he traveled to Naples for medical treatment but died on December 26, 1890, from complications following ear surgery.
32. He was buried in Athens, Greece, in a mausoleum designed by architect Ernst Ziller.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond his well-known achievements, Schliemann's life was filled with lesser-known but fascinating details.

33. He claimed to have learned a new language every six weeks, a testament to his linguistic prowess.
34. Schliemann was a member of several prestigious societies, including the Royal Geographical Society and the Archaeological Institute of America.
35. He often dressed in traditional Greek attire during his excavations, reflecting his admiration for ancient Greek culture.
36. Schliemann's autobiography, "La Vie d'un chercheur de trésors," provides a detailed account of his life and adventures.
37. His legacy continues to inspire archaeologists and historians, despite the controversies surrounding his methods and interpretations.

The Legacy of Heinrich Schliemann

Heinrich Schliemann's contributions to archaeology are nothing short of remarkable. His discoveries at Troy and Mycenae reshaped our understanding of ancient civilizations. Despite facing criticism for his methods, Schliemann's passion and determination paved the way for modern archaeological practices. His work not only brought ancient stories to life but also inspired future generations of archaeologists. Schliemann's legacy is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance in uncovering the past. His life serves as a reminder that dedication and a willingness to challenge established norms can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the past, Schliemann's story is a fascinating journey into the heart of ancient civilizations. His impact on archaeology remains a cornerstone of the field, proving that sometimes, passion can indeed change the world.