The following was a written response to a question regarding the psychology behind and validity of Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of Agamemnon’s mask at Hisarlik.

With the intent to find evidence of the Homeric Epics, it is not hard to see why Schliemann may have fabricated the objects and the stories around them. With the discovery came both fame and notoriety, both an equally enticing drug that so few can claim longstanding possession over. Schliemann wished to find evidence of the city of Troy. Such a discovery would make this man a legend amongst archeologists. If temptation or perhaps a fleeting sense of personal belief took him over, he may have cracked under the pressure, resulting in his publicity stunt. The many complications and theories surrounding his findings only served to spread his name further, and still today we observe his findings at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

I believe the way in which he crafted his tales stirred confusion over the validity of his findings yet may have also been used to throw off or slow down those who might investigate further. From what was found, much of the “loot” was considered authentic. This, at the very least, tells us that Schliemann’s discovery may serve to tell another story, involving this unknown prince, and further evidence may be divulged in the future. His over-restoration of the mask did not necessarily ruin the evidence.

Since the mask was similar enough to other masks and objects found in Grave Circle A, it could be assumed that before Schliemann’s tampering, this mask may have served a similar, if not identical purpose, to the other masks, of which are thought to be funerary masks. It was also noted that the Agamemnon mask was found on the body of a high-ranking man, adorned in jewelry and donning a breastplate. Weapons and two silver vases were found in the man’s possession. While this of course does not prove evidence of Agamemnon, it does show that the owner meant to hoard these precious items, confirming our belief in him as a prince or man of higher power. The fact he would also be better preserved and buried amongst others tells us that this burial spot was no place for drifters or the common man. This was a classy burial site.