Part Two: Heinrich Schliemann: The Archaeologist Who Destroyed Troy
Summary
In this episode, hosts Sophie and Robert are joined by Kristen Conger to discuss Heinrich Schliemann, a destructive amateur archaeologist who illegally excavated the site of Troy. The hosts detail his reckless methods, which obliterated thousands of years of history, and his controversial discovery of "Priam's Treasure," which he smuggled out of the Ottoman Empire. They also cover his purchase of a teenage Greek bride and the enduring debate over whether he forged artifacts to cement his legacy.
Topics discussed
Introduction and episode setup
Schliemann's first dig at Ithaca
The debate over Troy's reality and location
Schliemann's character, racism, and family issues
Divorce and marriage to 17-year-old Sophia
Meeting Frank Calvert and the Hisarlik site
Illegal excavation methods and lack of permits
Destruction of historical layers during the dig
Plague, snakes, and the discovery of 'Priam's Palace'
The discovery of Priam's Treasure
Smuggling charges and the Agamemnon mask controversy
Schliemann's capitalist approach to archaeology
Wilhelm Dorpfeld's corrective excavations
Conclusion and legacy of the Schliemann story
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