Finding the Walls of Troy: Frank Calvert and Heinrich Schliemann at Hisarlik
A case of identity theft in the 19th century? Over a century ago archaeological hero Heinrich Schliemann took full credit for the discovery of Homer's Troy in his rags to riches to ruins autobiography and books on Troy. But he did not do it alone. Instead he eclipsed the man who had led him to the hypothesis which later became his claim to fame. His predecessor was Frank Calvert, the owner of half of the site of Troy and first archaeologist to excavate the site. This lecture examines the role of Frank Calvert in furthering our understanding of the archaeology of the Troad in general and Troy in specific as well as his difficult, but fruitful relationship with Schliemann.Swimming with Heroes: Hellespont 1997
For initiated Romantics visiting the plain of Troy, several labors were critical to a full experience of the heroic terrain. One could sacrifice to the gods, run naked to Achilles' tomb and pay one's respects by leaving a lock of hair, or one could swim the Hellespont, the watery strait that separates Europe from Asia near Troy. In researching a book on the history of excavations at Troy I became fascinated with the nineteenth-century travelers who made it the subject of their pilgrimages. Then in 1997 I made my own. In this lecture I explore the Hellespont through history and end with an account of my swim.
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