Heinrich Schliemann

Date of Birth: January 6, 1822

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: December 26, 1890

Biography

Heinrich Schliemann was a pioneering archaeologist born on January 6, 1822, in Neubukow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany. He is best known for his work in unearthing the ancient city of Troy, as well as for his excavations at Mycenae and Tiryns. Schliemann’s interest in archaeology was inspired by his childhood fascination with Homer’s epics, the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey.” Initially working as a businessman, Schliemann amassed a fortune through trade and investments, which later funded his archaeological pursuits. In 1870, he began excavations at Hisarlik in Turkey, which he identified as the site of Troy. His discoveries included what he famously dubbed “Priam’s Treasure,” a collection of gold and other artifacts. Schliemann’s methodologies, while groundbreaking at the time, were often criticized for their destructiveness. Nonetheless, his work laid the foundations for modern archaeology and significantly advanced the understanding of ancient Greek civilizations. He continued his archaeological work until his death on December 26, 1890, in Naples, Italy.

5 Interesting Facts about Heinrich Schliemann

1. Heinrich Schliemann taught himself multiple languages, including Greek, Latin, and Russian, to aid in his research.

2. He initially made his fortune during the California Gold Rush and later through trade and banking in Russia.

3. Schliemann’s discovery of Troy was initially met with skepticism, but it eventually gained scholarly acceptance.

4. He used Homer’s “Iliad” as a guide to locate ancient Troy, believing the epic to be based on historical events.

5. Schliemann was married twice and had several children; his second wife, Sophia Engastromenos, often assisted him in his excavations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Heinrich Schliemann

1. “I have gazed on the face of Agamemnon.”

2. “All that I have done, all that I still do, is for the love of knowledge and the love of Greece.”

3. “I am digging for the immortal truths of Homer and the ancient world.”

4. “The Bible and Homer are to me the two divine books from which all the wisdom of mankind can be derived.”

5. “The search for the truth is more precious than its possession.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Heinrich Schliemann’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars in today’s money, a substantial fortune at the time, largely derived from his successful business ventures.

Children

Heinrich Schliemann had three children with his second wife, Sophia Engastromenos. Their names were Andromache, Agamemnon, and Seraphine. His children were named after figures from Greek mythology, reflecting his deep passion for ancient Greek culture.