Who was the German archaeologist known for discovering the site of Troy?

The German archaeologist known for discovering the site of Troy is Heinrich Schliemann. He is renowned for his excavations in the late 19th century, which he believed would uncover the historic site mentioned in Homer's epics, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey." Schliemann's ambitious efforts began in 1870 at the mound of Hisarlik, located in present-day Turkey. His work not only confirmed parts of the ancient city believed to be Troy but also sparked a greater interest in the study of archaeology and the pursuit of ancient civilizations.

Schliemann's excavations were groundbreaking in demonstrating that the legendary tales of the Greeks were based on real places where significant events may have occurred. His findings, including artifacts such as gold jewelry, bolstered the connection between mythology and historical reality. His methods were sometimes criticized for being destructive, but the impact of his work in the field of archaeology was profound, leading to further explorations and a deeper understanding of ancient societies.