The Stuff of Legend: Heinrich Schliemann’s Life and Work

Helen of Troy. Ulysses. The Odyssey. Now that we have your attention, let's talk about Heinrich Schliemann. An amateur archaeologist, yet a pioneer in the field, the German businessman gained legendary fame with his excavations of the sites of Troy and ancient Mycenae. His obsession with Homer and his belief that the ancient Greek storyteller wasn’t making up fairytales but was rather talking about historical events, led to some pretty controversial choices in his career. But that’s a long discussion.

A new, fascinating online exhibition might help you decide on your own. From the comfort of your living room you can dig through “Schliemann’s Life and Work”, courtesy of a meticulous work by The American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Best thing of all? You can take your time with it, as the exhibition will be available for the whole year. Official correspondence, documents, published works and photographs are categorized in nine sections and shed a light on Schliemann’s public, professional and private life.

Care to dig a little deeper? Listen to interviews with archaeology experts who comment on his work and read from his archives in a five episode podcast for a more contemporary take.

When in Athens, definitely check into his former residence on Panepistimiou Street, which now hosts the beautiful Numismatic Museum. The museum's rear garden and its lovely café is one of Athens’ most delightful urban secrets.