Schliemann's gold mask discoveries at Mycenae and self-funded archaeology. Schliemann found a gold mask in a burial at Mycenae, which he called the "Mask of Agamemnon" Only five gold death masks have been found in total, all at Mycenae, and all excavated by Schliemann Schliemann self-funded his excavations through his personal fortune amassed by trading commodities including gold

Schliemann unearthed a gold burial mask at Mycenae he called the "Mask of Agamemnon." Remarkably, only five gold death masks have ever been found, all at Mycenae, all by him. He self-funded his digs through a personal fortune built on commodity trading, deploying armies of workers. His discoveries still appear in museums and academic dissertations today.

Key Facts

  • Schliemann found a gold mask in a burial at Mycenae, which he called the "Mask of Agamemnon"
  • Only five gold death masks have been found in total, all at Mycenae, and all excavated by Schliemann
  • Schliemann self-funded his excavations through his personal fortune amassed by trading commodities including gold
  • He used an army of workers to dig for treasures at ancient sites
  • His findings continue to be featured in museums and quoted in academic dissertations

Related site: Mycenae — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.