Part One: Heinrich Schliemann: The Archaeologist Who Destroyed Troy
Summary
Hosted by Robert Evans and guest Kristen Conger, this episode of Behind the Bastards explores the destructive legacy of 19th-century archaeologists. The hosts discuss Giuseppe Ferlini, an Italian treasure hunter who ransacked the pyramids of Meroe and destroyed the Great Pyramid of Queen Amanishaketo to extract gold, and Heinrich Schliemann, a German adventurer who famously excavated the ruins of Troy. The episode highlights how their greedy, unscientific methods resulted in the permanent loss of historical context and artifacts, contrasting their vandalism with the careful preservation eff…
Topics discussed
Introduction and episode overview
History of archaeology and early excavations
Giuseppe Ferlini's background and early life
Ferlini's expedition to Nubia and the pyramids
Destruction of the pyramid and discovery of treasure
Auctioning artifacts and the impact on Nubian sites
Introduction to Heinrich Schliemann and Troy
Schliemann's childhood and early career struggles
Schliemann's business ventures and language skills
Schliemann's gold trading and Crimean War profits
Schliemann's travels and first archaeological dig
Part one conclusion and listener engagement
Listen ad-free on Castria