The famous treasures of Troy, discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in 1873, are currently housed in the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Their journey to Russia was long and dramatic, intertwined with the history of World War II and the status of displaced cultural treasures.

The Journey from Schliemann to Berlin

Heinrich Schliemann, who became wealthy through commerce, including in Russia, dreamed of immortalizing his name. He wanted to gift the discovered treasures to a country that would create a special museum in his name. However, neither Greece, nor the United States, nor France, nor Italy accepted his conditions. In the end, he donated the collection to \"the German people,\" and since 1881, it was stored in Berlin, at the Museum of Prehistory and Early History. Later, these treasures, along with other finds, were moved to an anti-aircraft tower for protection against bombings.

Military trophy: the journey to the USSR

At the end of World War II, in August 1945, Professor Wilhelm Unverzagt, fearing looting, transferred the treasures of Troy to the Soviet command. After that, they were transported from Germany to the USSR as a trophy. For nearly fifty years, their location was kept secret. It was only in 1992 that the secrecy was lifted.

It is important to note that not all of the Trojan finds from Berlin ended up in Moscow. Out of seventeen tombs stored in Germany, items from thirteen were transported to Russia. The main part of the \"Troy Gold\" — 259 items, predominantly made of precious metals and stone — ended up in the Pushkin Museum. Other items from the same tombs, mainly bronze and earthenware, are stored in the State Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

Current state and status

Since 1996, 51 years after the \"Troy Gold\" was discovered, it was first exhibited in the Pushkin Museum and has since become part of its permanent exhibition. The collection consists of items found in different tombs, including the famous Great Diadem with pendants, also known as the \"Treasure of Priam.\"

The status of the treasures remains a subject of dispute. At different times, Germany and Turkey have made attempts to return them. However, in Russia, these treasures are considered a legitimate military trophy that was evacuated in 1945, and their return is not planned.

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