Heinrich Schliemann begins the excavation of Troy

Background. Heinrich Schliemann was a German businessman and influential archaeologist who advocated for the historicity of places mentioned in Homer's works. He identified Hisarlik as the site of Troy, convinced that Homeric Troy lay beneath classical-era remains. This conviction led to a partnership with Frank Calvert, who had previously investigated the mound.

Excavation Methods. Schliemann's excavation methods were controversial even in his own time. He removed features he considered insignificant without proper study or documentation, lacking mapping of finds and few descriptions of discoveries. His rough methods, including ploughing through layers of soil, were criticized by contemporary antiquarians for destroying significant historical artifacts.