Heinrich Schliemann

A self-taught archaeologist who revolutionized the understanding of ancient history by discovering the site of Troy and proving the historical basis of Homer’s epics.

Heinrich Schliemann (1822–1890) is a quintessential example of someone who made a difference by bridging myth and reality. Despite lacking formal training in archaeology, his relentless pursuit of Homer’s legendary city of Troy reshaped classical studies and challenged academic skepticism.

Born into poverty, Schliemann amassed wealth through business ventures before dedicating his life to archaeology. In 1871, he began excavating Hisarlık in modern-day Turkey, convinced it was the site of Troy. His discoveries, including the "Treasure of Priam", ignited global fascination. Though criticized for his destructive methods, Schliemann’s work validated the Iliad as a historical reference, not mere fiction.

Later, he excavated Mycenae, uncovering the "Mask of Agamemnon" and linking Greece’s Bronze Age to Homeric heroes. His legacy lies in democratizing archaeology—proving that passion and determination could challenge academic elitism. Learn more about his methods here.