Mycenæ: a narrative of researches and discoveries at Mycenæ and Tiryns

"Mycenæ: A Narrative of Researches and Discoveries at Mycenæ and Tiryns" by Dr. Henry Schliemann is an archaeological account written in the late 19th century. The work documents Schliemann's excavations and findings in the ancient sites of Mycenæ and Tiryns, exploring the connections between these archaeological discoveries and the narratives found in Homeric texts. The book is likely to appeal to readers interested in archaeology, classical studies, and the historical significance of ancient Greek civilization. The opening of the text sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Mycenæ’s archaeology, revealing the riches and historical context surrounding the site. In this initial portion, readers are introduced to Schliemann’s motivations for conducting the excavations, which stem from a desire to uncover the truth behind ancient Greek mythology and history. The preface by W.E. Gladstone emphasizes the importance of Schliemann's discoveries, hinting at the potential connections between the archaeological findings and the Homeric epics. As Schliemann presents his early observations, he lays the groundwork for a narrative that will intertwine scientific inquiry with classical literature, inviting the audience to engage with both the artifacts and the stories of the past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Johann Ludwig Heinrich Julius Schliemann was a German businessman and an influential amateur archaeologist. He was an advocate of the historicity of places mentioned in the works of Homer and an archaeological excavator of Hisarlik, now presumed to be the site of Troy, along with the Mycenaean sites Mycenae and Tiryns. His work lent weight to the idea that Homer's Iliad reflects historical events. Schliemann's excavation of nine layers of archaeological remains has been criticized as destructive of significant historical artifacts, including the layer that is believed to be the Homeric Troy.