The famous treasures of Troy, discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in 1873, are currently housed in the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. S. Pushkin in Moscow. Their journey to Russia was long and dramatic, tied to the history of World War II and the status of displaced cultural goods.

From Schliemann to Berlin

Heinrich Schliemann, who had become wealthy through commerce, including in Russia, dreamed of perpetuating his name. He wanted to donate the discovered treasures to a country that would create a special museum in his name. However, neither Greece, the United States, France, nor Italy accepted his conditions. In the end, he bequeathed the collection to \"the German people,\" and since 1881, it was stored in Berlin, at the Museum of Prehistoric and Ancient 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. Only in 1992 was the secrecy lifted.

It is important to note that not all Trojan finds from Berlin came to Moscow. Out of seventeen caches 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 stones — ended up in the Pushkin Museum. Other items from those same caches, mainly bronze and earthenware, are stored in the State Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

Current state and status

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

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

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