The Greek Treasure

by Irving Stone

A magnificent biographical novel of Henry and Sophia Schlieman- the epic of a man and woman, their shining love for each other, and how, together, they broke throught every barrier to turn an incredible dream into an immortal triumph.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Archaeology, Historical, Greece, Adventure, Classics

496 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

In 1923, Stone received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1960s, Stone received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Southern California, where he had previously earned a Masters Degree from the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.

When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.

Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.

Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.

From Wikipedia

Reviews

[``Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember being fascinated by the discovery of ancient Troy as a teen reading everything I could get my hands on concerning this subject as well as the Trojan War.

Stone has once again been diligent in his research so this book should be an easy and enjoyable way to learn all about ancient Greece and the Trojan War.

[Marko Jovanović · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irving Stoun je u književnom svetu poznat po svojim biografijama znamenitih ličnosti iz različitih oblasti nauke i umetnosti.
Ja se prvi put sa njegovim stvaralaštvom upoznajem uz roman Grčko blago koje me je, moram priznati, prvenstveno privuklo svojom božanstvenom naslovnicom (velika pohvala za Vulkan izdavaštvo) a potom i sinopsisom i saznanjem da govori o jednom od najznačajnijih imena iz oblasti arheologije - Hajnrihu Šlimanu.
Hajnrih Šliman, poreklom Nemac, je čovek koji je, opsednut legendom o drevnoj Troji, posvetio život pronalaženju njenih ostataka i time dokaza da je grad zaista postojao.
Samouki arheolog (zbog čega je često nailazio na otpor učenih ljudi), perfektni poznavalac grčkog jezika (koji je naučio da bi čitao Homerove stihove u originalu), avanturističkog duha i naoružan entuzijazmom, kreće u ostvarenje svog sna, a budućim generacijama ostavlja jedno od najznačajnijih otkrića u antičkoj istoriji.
Ova biografija se može posmatrati iz dva ugla: pratimo sa jedne strane lik samog Hajnriha, rađanje ljubavi prema arheologiji i drevnim grčkim gradovima, njegov trnovit put do pronalaženja iskopina i prepreke sa kojima se suočavao na tom putu, i sa druge strane njegov odnos sa suprugom Sofijom, poreklom Grkinjom, koja mu je bila podrška i oslonac u njegovim arheološkim pohodima, što biografiji daje epitet "romansirana".
Pored toga, kroz knjigu možete saznati puno zanimljivih informacija o grčkom narodu, o njihovoj svakodnevnici, kulturi i tradiciji, ali i o političkom uređenju države krajem 19. veka.
Stil pisanja je za biografiju vrlo jednostavan i pitak, sa sasvim dovoljno informacija da se ne odlazi previše u širinu. Autor drži fokus na dva elementa i retko skreće sa njih: Hajnrihov arheološki pohod i odnos bračnog para, čemu je dodato kao propratno - uređenje Grčke kao zemlje i život njenih stanovnika.
Meni se dopada, i uživao sam od prve do poslednje stranice. Volim drevnu Grčku, tako da mi je zadovoljstvo bilo što sam čitao o životu čoveka koji je dao izuzetni doprinos u rasvetljavanju jedne od najvećih dilema iz antičkog doba.

[Lorna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually really enjoy Irving Stone. NOT this one! I enjoyed the history but beyond that....the characters were dull and un-enjoyable. Sorry Irving. This was a struggle to get through. Pooh.

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Schliemann was a very peculiar man, but only someone like him could have had the madness of excavating Troy. His relationship with the 30 years younger Sophia was a fortunate and interesting adventure. What I most appreciated was that he had the courage of pursuing his plans despite the fact that his contemporaries and the Greeks believed that Homer’s Troy was pure myth. He demonstrated that the ancient writings told a true story when he uncovered Priam’s treasure. A lesson for sceptics! Interestingly enough, the treasure has disappeared from the Berlin museum during the II WW. It would have been maybe safer if Schliemann would have sold it to the Metropolitan Museum. The book doesn’t read very easy if you don’t like antique history, but the funny style of Schliemann and his volcanic nature makes it attractive. Plus Sophia is captivating with her gentle, smart and committed nature. Interesting overall, a bit sad in the end, classifies after Michelangelo’s biography which remains my Stone’s favourite.

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Прекрасна романизирана биография на Хайнрих Шлиман и неговото истинско гръцко съкровище - съпругата му София. Историята на Шлиман е толкова невероятна, че никаква фантазия не би могла да я измисли. Тя е продукт на най-добрия автор на всички времена - действителността.

Само в действителността ловецът на легендите за Троя на Хектор и Микена на Агамемнон може да изкопае останките на един мит от прашасалите дълбини на турски хълм. И изкопава не една, а няколко Трои, разделени от пластовете на времето. Хорът от критици в стил “и тоя е хукнал да гони Михаля” е рязко пресечен, а Илиадата преживява исторически и археологически ренесанс.

Ървинг Стоин е поднесъл изключително живо и детайлно живота на Шлиман и София. Защото какво стои зад един успял мъж, ако не една жена, която Шлиман запечатва на снимка, закичена с троянски златни накити, видели бял свят за първи път след хилядолетия (впоследствие конкретни тези - изчезнали).

Книгата си заслужава преиздаване, тъй като старото издание е още от соца.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to stop at page 240. I don't know why I would have thought a book about archaeology would be engaging, when the job itself is an exercise in patience and perseverance. Henry Schliemann is an insecure, testy individual intent on proving himself to the world. His wife is a long-suffering Greek girl intent on making her arranged marriage work. I don't find the characters easy to identify with, nor do I particularly like them. I'm very happy he found Troy, but I don't want to suffer through any more long summers with them!

[Tetyana]

A story which was at the same time fascinating but quite a triggering read on so many levels - more than once, it has literally made me cringe as a woman, as a cultural studies graduate with some archaeological background, and as a Ukrainian, whose country’s cultural heritage was being destroyed and plundered on unimaginable scale for centuries and is still being shamelessly looted by Russians in the occupied territories right now as I write these words. By the way, the story prompted me to google the fate of the so called Priam’s treasure and I realised that this looted gold finally ended up, of all places, in the world capital of looters, Moscow - what a bitter irony! Would love to read a more balanced and more academic account on Schliemann’s role and impact in archaeology and Homeric studies - this novel has many interesting details and Schliemann’s devotion is inspirational in a way, but it is, of course, a largely romanticised story, too complimentary to its protagonist, and should be read with a good dose of criticism. Cannot really assess this book in terms of “stars” - it is rather a good example of the fictionalised biography genre, but its very problematic subject was not really reflected upon.

[Antonia Gherghel · Rating 1 out of 5]

A shame that the prose is written beautifully when the main characters are absent.

This book infuriated me - partly due to the character of Heinrich and partly due to the way that the author desperately tried to convey him as a heroic, misunderstood genius when it only highlighted the worst of him.

I pity Sofia, but I reckon that in that time period you had few other options than to be sold as one would sell cattle.

I get the sense that we as the audience are meant to be in awe at this man's achievements and admire Sofia for her love and spirit of self sacrifice to him, but I can only despise the man and pity the child she was for a large part of their marriage. I wish she could have led a fulfilling life after his death, but it seems that women were not allowed happiness unless in servitude of a man.

I want to believe things have changed, but they are similar enough that this book hits close to home while simultaneously avoiding the point it's staring at.

[angelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all -- intrigue, adventure, history, love, science, conflict, and human emotion. I would read it again this week if I had the time! I enjoy this American author (I have read four more of his biographical novels and would love to read them all). The book is a true account of Henry and Sophia Schliemann's life together, and tells their story from the time they married (she at 17 and he at age 47) and follows it until Henry's death. They work together in the field of archaeology and make amazing discoveries and gather treasures of great significance. In my opinion, Irving Stone's research coupled with his characterizations makes a great read!

[Ehsan'Shokraie' · Rating 3 out of 5]

ایروینگ استون در تلاش برای حیات بخشیدن دوباره به انسان هایی ست که تاریخ بشر را دگرگون کرده اند،هنری شیلمان نیز از این زمره است انسانی که هر چه داشت را صرف کاویدن و باز یافتن تمدنی نمود که به آن عشق می ورزید کتاب جنگ های تروا نیز اثری ست که به این کوشش دائمی می پردازد،کوشش انسانی در جستجوی گذشته ای فراموشش داشته،بازیابی آثاری از گذشتگانی که مفتون شان بوده همچو انسانی که در پایان عمر تلاش می کند خاطرات عزیزانش را از زیر خروار های فراموشی باز به یاد آرد..
نثر کتاب اما گاه کسالت بار و گاه فاقد شور آن هنگام که از دل خاک آثار حیاتی‌ گذشته رو می نماید بود

[Neda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mislim da bi se ova biografija mogla dopasti isključivo ljubiteljima arheologije, antike i istorije, jer sadrži mnoštvo detalja sa razlicitih iskopavanja (legendarne Troje i Mikene). Meni je u početku bila odlična ali sam je citala sporo i pazljivo, pa me je malo umarala. Ipak mi je drago sto sam se kroz ovu knjigu upoznala sa pricom o zivotu Hajnriha i Sofije Sliman i njihovim arheološkim dostignućima.

[Radu Popovici · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 *

[Negar Khalili · Rating 2 out of 5]

معتقدم ساده تر و غیر داستانی تر از ان بود که به نوشتن در بیاید...روایت بی فراز و فرود�� داشت.مرا به یاد فیلم های سینمایی می انداخت که در رابطه با ورزش ساخته می شوند ، ورزش اغلب حوزه ی هیجان انگیزیست اما سینمای ورزش اغلب کسالت آور است...در مورد این کتاب هم کسالتی این چنینی در ارتباط با تاریخ وجود داشت...هیجانی در من بر انگیخته نکرد و همچنین آموزه ی تاریخی خاصی نیز در بر نداشت.شخصیت پردازی ناقص به نظرم می آمد و مرا چندان راضی نکرد

[Shrike · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was really long, really bizarre and especially towards the end it was all just summary. But some of the Archeology stuff was kind of interesting.

[Riz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up until 19th century, Troy was considered a fabled city, Iliad was considered a piece of fiction. All this was challenged by a merchant-turned-archaeologist, Henry Schliemann who used Iliad and Pausanias’ Description of Greece as his compass to take an archaeological initiative which led him to discover some lost cities which he would end up giving them the names his desired cities without evidence.
This book covers his adventurous life and love story from the 1870’s and the initial chapters of the book have to do with the marriage of 47 years old Schliemann with 17 years old Sophia. He wants to get married to a Greek girl because he needs someone in his life who could also help him on his archaeological excursions in Turkey once their relationship sails safety through stormy episodes.
In Sophia, Henry finds an ideal partner who offers him full-fledged support in his excavation projects and at climactic moments too. She really stands out from the crowd because back in those days women were not deemed fit for such work and women would also tend to do household chores obediently. She also turns out to be different in a way that during that era it was not considered for women to work but she would command groups of laborers at the sites.
The couple becomes a sensation in the world of archaeology when they discover treasures worth inestimable values in Troy and Mycenae and also because of Henry is quick to draw conclusions without any concrete shreds of evidence. Eventually, he gets recognition from places which is also accompanied by great criticism from those some qualified archaeologists and as well as from lifetime enemies who are directed by envy and spite. Eventually, they have to show endless resilience to deal with their slating and in their projects too as sometimes they get challenged by sluggish bureaucracy, bogged down by weather, virulent epidemic of disease among workers, the lawsuit which results from their smuggling of one of the greatest gold cache from Turkey to Greece.
I reckon this book will mostly be enjoyed by those who are familiar with Iliad and have an interest in archaeology because at times the book gets quite dull particularly if it comes to the technical description of excavations. Moreover, I would have appreciated this book, even more, had the author told us when and how Henry got motivated to take these initiatives.
I read about Henry Schliemann and his wife, Sophia Schliemann quite recently in a book called “Don’t Know Much About Mythology” by Kenneth Davis and co-incidentally I stumbled upon this book at a secondhand bookshop which is near my house and bought it immediately.

[Stefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come anche gli altri romanzi di Stone sulle vite di personaggi celebri, l'ho adorato.
L'approfondimento delle fonti è indiscutibile, ma mi immergo sopratutto nella compresione che sembra avere l'autore delle diverse psicologie dei personaggi trattati - tanto Schliemann e la moglie, quanto i personaggi di contorno -, i quali, proprio come ognuno di noi, alterna lati positivi ad aspetti profondamente antipatici.
La vita dello scopritore dei presunti resti della città di Troia e di altre località dell'epica greca classica non ha invece bisogno di abbellimenti di sorta. Movimentata, ricca di avvenimenti e di indiscusso successo, la parabola della vita di Scliemann lo ha portato dall'indigenza alla ricchezza, dalla solitudine al successo planetario, scontrandosi con i detrattori e con gli intoppi del quotidiano come farebbe uno schiacciasassi: senza fermarsi.
Non credo che nella vita Schliemann mi sarebbe risultato simpatico, sopratutto per quel tratto di boria e di profonda miopia con cui trattava tutte le sue idee. Eppure è indiscutibile che, molto spesso, queste idee difese fin quasi alla paranoia si siano rivelate (per quanto ancora discusse e messe in dubbio) in qualche modo corrette e abbiano coronato di successo praticamente tutte le imprese attuate da Schliemann, come uno di quei moderni imprenditori dal tocco d'oro tanto osannati.

[Linda Sande · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in the interest of research (it covers the digs at Troy and the discovery of Priam's Treasure, the dig at Mycenae, and a few others) and was pleased with how much of this couple's life the novelization includes. A fan of Homer, Heinrich Schliemann is 47 and determined to take a young Greek wife, and ends up marrying Sophia (who was only 17 at the time). Despite his wealth, he wasn't always given immediate permission to proceed in his archaeological pursuits. The story covers his difficulties in procuring workmen and tools as well as having overseers who didn't share his vision. I'm sure at the time this was written, the writing style was popular, but it's a bit dated now.

[Keelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An oldie of my Mom's! She always loved Irving Stone, so when we found some of his books in a box of her old books, I decided to give it a try! It did not disappoint. It was a very interesting read. I have to admit that going into this, I didn't have much interest in archeology. I also can't say I'm going to run out and learn all about it now. That being said, I really enjoyed this!

[Rebeca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recunosc ca am avut nevoie de o pauza la un moment dat, dar apoi m-am reindragostit de lectiile gratuite de istorie, arheologie si geografie si am parcurs-o mult mai usor ulterior. Greoaie, dar superba, un material extrem de bine documentat, ca si celelalte opere ale lui Stone.

[Mirjana Ćorilić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellen book. Well-written with vivid characters and a captivating story. In addition to all that you will get a free lesson in history and archeology.

[Beverly Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting history about a subject I knew little or nothing about. A little detailed and technical for my cup of tea. I appreciate that equal time in the book was given to Sophia. I admire her.

[Georgia Dentel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this biographical novel about the couple who uncovered the city of Troy in the 1800's.

[Steve Pifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of historical fiction. Its a very effective way to learn vital and interesting facts about our past. Even Jesus used parables to reveal deep truths. But this is my first book by Irving Stone and I suspect that this is b/c that when he was in his prime, so was I. I wasnt exactly a bookworm in the 70's and 80's. Enough said.
But I selected this book from a detailed search that I made which focused on Greece (or Europe), archeology, and a solid literary approach.
A few chapters into the book, I wondered where this author had been all of my life. Come to find out that much of it, hes been deceased!
In any case, I love the story very much and have high praise for the style and skill of the author in presenting it. Even though much of the book necessarily is fictional, the author stays above the temptation of following the pattern of so many novels, resorting to manufactured intrigue, sex, or perversions. Irving Stone just tells the story without undue exageration. The story itself is magnificent enought with artificial embellishment.
The novel is rich with full descriptions of the geography, the people, and even politics of Greece in the early part of the century, along with descriptions of mythological figures and stories that are brought to life masterfully. I came away an understanding of people, places, and times that I had only slim knowledge of previously. For that alone, I was glued to the novel, start to finish, and pausing only long enough to research the authors other works.
Time spent with a true scholar, a dedicated historian, and a hellofa story teller is time well spent.

[Svetlana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knjiga je bila namenjena mojoj bratanici, koja bi verovatno bila oduševljena da je i sama imala učešća u otkrivanju Troje -:) . Čekajući nju, pročitana je i - ispunila je očekivanja, uz mnogo novih saznanja o Grčkoj mitologiji, kulturi i njenim drevnim gradovima, ali i o životima bračnog para Šliman, koji su otkrivajući Troju sazrevali kao par, povezivali se i uspeli da opstanu uprkos ogromnim i, površno gledano, nepomirljivim razlikama u godinama, obrazovanju, tradiciji i temperamentu.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

In advance of visiting Greece and Turkey in April, 2015, Irving Stone’s ‘The Greek Treasure’ was recommended as a book to read to familiarize me with names, customs, and cities in both Greece and Turkey. I liked this book because it was based on actual people & events - a work telling the history of Heinrich Schliemann & the excavations of several ancient sites. While some may think that searching for ancient, fabled cities to be dry, boring reading, I loved and shared Henry & Sophia Schliemann’s thrill of the chase, and the excitement of discovery, all based on his very learned reading & understanding of the ancient Greek authors, mainly Homer and his books, the ‘Iliad’, and the ‘Odyssey’. Schliemann’s persistence in the discovery of ancient Troy & Mycanae, in the face of constant, withering, detracting criticism by many ivory-towered scholars, made me appreciate his efforts. Granted, Henry Schliemann was an egoist, but his contribution to the world as the discoverer of many ancient sites and artifacts should give him some excuse for his confidence & bravado. I would definitely recommend this book as a good read.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Schliemann called his wife Sophia (30 years his junior) his Greek treasure and of course there is the other meaning--the gold found during the excavation of Mycenae. But the narrative does not fully engage with Sophia--we get some glimpses of her, but not enough to satisfy me. Is this a failure of imagination? or is it because Schliemann is so commanding a presence. Stone does not fully engage with Schliemann's con-man side (cheating the Turkish government of their share--that became only an annoyance for the Schliemanns) or even fully with the damage he did during his excavations (reading about the buildings he demolished and the stones he sent tumbling down the hill because they were not, in his view, Trojan made me cringe). And the book did bog down--we did not have to learn about every piece of gold he found in Mycenae, but we did. Still, his portrait of Schliemann's obsession is convincing. Despite my many misgivings over Schliemann's work and character, I found his single-mindedness somewhat romantic.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical and biographical novels and I think Irving Stone is a master at bringing to life famous and interesting people from history. This book is about Henry and Sophia Schlieman. They lived during the 19th century. They had an incredible dream of finding the legendary city of Troy. They were scoffed by all scientific authorities, but they persisted in their archeological digs and found so much more. I enjoyed this novel.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of Henry and Sophia Schlieman, Archeologists who unearthed the treasures of Troy at Mycenae. The treasure is not the gold, silver or bronze... but his wife Sohpia. She was an incredible owman of strength, courage and faith. Her obedience to her parents, to marry this man, thirty years her elder turned out to lead to an incredible adventure. Losses, successes, tragedy, a compelling story. A Great book

[Claire Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having studied archaeology and visited Troy I loved this book, as I do all of Irving Stone's works. It is a shame so many of them are out of print! This one is written from the point of view of Henry Schliemann's wife, Sophia and contains some detail about life in Europe during the mid-late 1800s as well as great amounts about the excavations of Troy and Mycenae and the controversies surrounding them. I found it a very easy read and am now desperate to go to Greece!

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irving Stone is mostly known for his biographical novels, or which A Lust for Life about Vincent van Gogh, and The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo are his most famous. The Greek Treasure is about Heinrich Schliemann and his Greek wife Sophia and their quest to find the city of Troy and Priam's treasure. It is a fascinating book in many ways. The characters, their goals in life and the pride in their achievements.

Heinrich Schliemann was born in Germany, but had the world as his home. He was a self-made man and made three fortunes in different countries. He spoke many languages and said he could learn a language in six weeks. He was interested in the classics and learned Greek just to be able to read Homer in the original language. Archeology was another interest and he had a dream of finding Troy, and he had his own idea of where it was located.

"'To the questions: "How much time in a Collegiate course of study should be given to the study of languages?" I answer as Charles V justly observed to Francis I: "With every new language one acquires a new life"; for by the knowledge of the language of a foreign country we are able to get acquainted with its literature its manners and customs...'"

In order to pursue his dream he needed a Greek wife. He announced in the papers for a wife with similar interests as his. His friend, the Archbishop of Athens, suggested a relative of his, 17-year-old Sophia Engastromenos. In spite of the age different, Schliemann was 47 at the time, they got along and married. It turned out to be a very successful and happy one. As is seen from a letter extract below (from Henry Schliemann to Sophia on September 6, 1869) Schliemann approaches all parts of his life in quite a practical way.

"... Could you please ask your excellent parents and write to me if it is possible to see you without all those people around, but alone with you, and not once but more often, because I think we are seeing each other to get acquainted, and to see whether our characters can get along together. This is quite impossible in the presence of so many persons. Marriage is the most magnificent of all establishments if it is based on respect, love and virtue. Marriage is the heaviest bondage if it is based on material interests or sexual attraction.
Thank God I am not so crazy that I should go blindly into a second marriage; so if the fashion in Athens does not allow me to see you often alone with your parents, to know you well, then I beg you not to think any longer of me. ..."

Irving Stone tells this extraordinary, fantastic saga as historical fiction. The dedication, the patience, the endurance of digging under very hard conditions, it all shows a tremendous zeal to pursue a dream. His dream became hers. Their life together aimed at finding the Greek ancient, buried treasures and they did. On the Hissarlik hill in Turkey they found what they thought was Priam's treasure. A treasure of gold and jewellery of a kind never seen before. From there they continued to Mycenae and more golden treasures. Life was not always easy. Schliemann, being a self-made man, did not go well with the archeological or cultural establishment. Maybe because he was an outside man, relied on his copy of Homer, he could approach the facts and fiction in another way.

His archeological diggings have received heavy criticism from scholars. He did not have a formal education in archeology and therefore did not conduct the diggings in a proper manner. The mapping of finds was lacking and there are few descriptions of discoveries. Many of the criticism is seen in a later light, when the scientific way to approach an ancient site had developed, but still, some finds might have been destroyed on the way to find the treasure. He did accept, later in his career, that the gold he found could not have been Priam's treasure. It turned out to be the wrong age.

The history of finding ancient Troy is a fantastic story of a man and a woman who pursued a dream. Although they did not reach down to the level of what could be Troy, one has to admire both of them for their energy and will power, also in time of obstacles, both private and official. As Henry says in the book: "'We are both romantics,' replied Henry softly. 'It's the romantics who shape the world. The realists are content to fill their bellies.'"

In the Author's notes Stone says: "Those readers hoping to see the treasure of Priam in Berlin will be disappointed. It has disappeared. When the Russian army was approaching Berling toward the end of World War II the curators of the Berlin Museum for Early History bundled up the gold, some say in four separate packets, and hid it or buried it. To this day not a single gold bead has surfaced. There are numerous conjectures as to what happened: its hiding place was lost; it was bombed, melted down, confiscated ... stolen. There is still a faint hope that it will reappear one day, unharmed and intact." The book is from 1975 so maybe something has happened since then? A quick look at google tells us that the treasure was turned over to the Soviet commander in 1945, who promised to guarantee the safety. Nothing was heard of it until it turned up at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow in 1993.

Treasure hunting has always interested and inspired people. How they come and go, and turn up again. The Greek Treasure is one such fascinating piece of history.