Example of altering artifacts essay

Introduction

Heinrich Schliemann, who lived between 1822 and 1890, was an archeologist who operated mostly in the cities of Tiryns, Troy and Mycenae. His works in these cities were later named the Mycenaean artifacts (Gere 98). On the other hand, Sir Arthur Evans, also an archeologist, was famous for discovering the Bronze Age Civilization in Crete Island that was ruled by King Minos. Therefore, his discovery was later named the Minoan culture. These two archeologists were guilty of altering artifacts. This discussion highlights the rationales for their alteration.

Discussion

Before Heinrich Schliemann embarked on furthering his archeological work in Crete, his approach to publicize his discoveries was disapproved b the Turkish authorities. Additionally, his permission to carry on with excavation at Hissarlik was revoked. As a result, he began hiding Priam’s Treasure out of the country (Gere 185). In order to accomplish this, he was compelled to alter his artifacts to avoid detection and subsequent prosecution. In addition to wanting to avoid detection, it is worth noting that Heinrich Schliemann altered precious golden artifacts including the ‘ Mask of Agamemnon’ with less valuable artifacts (Noël 156). It is alleged his smuggling and alteration of artifacts had a significant impact on the wealth he had accumulated until his sudden death on the Christmas of 1890.

Works Cited

Noël, Hume I. A Passion for the Past: The Odyssey of a Transatlantic Archaeologist. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2010. Print.
Gere, Cathy. Knossos and the Prophets of Modernism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2009. Internet source.