Troy - History

Until 1882, it is true, his excavations showed little concern with exact observation or the conservation of remains. Much evidence was destroyed for ever, particularly by the broad trench which he drove across the site from north to south. Thereafter, with the collaboration of the German archeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld (1853- -1940), the work was carried out much more scientifically.

Fate intervened to prevent Schliemann from reaping the full rewards of his excavations. After discovering on June 14th 1873 the so-called "Treasure of Priam" which was shipped to Germany in dramatic circumstances (recently discovered in Moscow's Pushkin Museum), he proclaimed Troy II to be the city of Priam. It was only his 1890 excavations and Dörpfeld's excavations of 1893-94 after Schliemann's death which suggested that Troy VI should be assigned to the rather uncertain Mycenaean period.

Excavation was continued in 1932-38 by Carl W. Blegen of Cincinatti University. According to legend Troy fell after Greek soldiers emerged from within a hollow horse dedicated to the earthquake god Poseidon; consequently scholars such as Schachermeyr have identified Troy VI as the city of Priam. Other researchers regard Troy VIIa as the more likely level. In 1988 the German archeologist Professor Manfred Korfmann from Tübingen University continued the work of Schliemann, Dörpfeld and Blegen. Excavations have been continuing on Besiktepe and in Besik Bay west of Troy near Yeniköy, already identified as a port for Troy (1982-1987). The area south of the hill, the lower town, also fell into the archeologists' spotlight.