Date of Birth: January 6, 1822
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: December 26, 1890
Biography
Heinrich Schliemann, a pioneering German archaeologist, is best known for his discoveries of ancient Troy and Mycenae. Born on January 6, 1822, in Neubukow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Schliemann showed an early interest in the ancient world, inspired by reading Homer’s epic poems. Despite financial hardships, he pursued self-education and became a successful businessman, amassing a considerable fortune that he later used to finance his archaeological expeditions. Schliemann’s major breakthrough came in the 1870s when he excavated the site of Hisarlik in modern-day Turkey, which he identified as the ancient city of Troy. His methods, though often criticized for their destructiveness, uncovered significant artifacts, including what he called “Priam’s Treasure.” Schliemann’s work provided substantial evidence supporting the historical basis of the Trojan War, previously considered largely mythological. He later conducted excavations in Mycenae, Greece, revealing the Mask of Agamemnon and other significant finds that shed light on the Mycenaean civilization. Schliemann’s contributions to archaeology were groundbreaking, though his methods and interpretations often sparked controversy. He continued his work until his death in Naples, Italy, on December 26, 1890.
5 Interesting Facts about Heinrich Schliemann
1. Heinrich Schliemann was fluent in 13 languages, including Greek, Latin, and Arabic.
2. He initially made his fortune in the import-export business, particularly in the trade of indigo and later gold dust.
3. Schliemann married Sophia Engastromenos, a Greek woman, who often assisted him in his archaeological work.
4. He used his own money to fund his archaeological digs, as he believed in the historical truth of Homer’s epics.
5. Schliemann’s discovery of “Priam’s Treasure” included a collection of gold and other artifacts that he smuggled out of Turkey.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Heinrich Schliemann
1. “I have gazed on the face of Agamemnon.”
2. “The immense importance of this treasure will be understood by everyone.”
3. “It is the greatest joy of my life to be able to prove to the world that the Iliad and the Odyssey are not fables, but real history.”
4. “I dreamt that I had found Troy; I have found it.”
5. “The excavations at Troy and Mycenae have changed the way we understand the ancient world.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Heinrich Schliemann’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $6 million, a substantial fortune in the 19th century.
Children
Heinrich Schliemann had three children: Andromache Schliemann, Agamemnon Schliemann, and Seraphine Schliemann.
Relevant Links
1. [Heinrich Schliemann – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Schliemann
