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

The Journey from Schliemann to Berlin

Heinrich Schliemann, who became wealthy through commerce, including in Russia, dreamed of immortalizing his name. He wanted to donate the found 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 terms. In the end, he gave the collection as a gift to \"the German people,\" and since 1881 it has been stored in Berlin, in the Museum of Prehistory and Ancient History. Later, these treasures, along with other finds, were moved to a lookout tower for protection from bombings.

War Trophy: The Journey to the USSR

At the end of World War II, in August 1945, Professor Wilhelm Unverzagt, fearing looting, handed over 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 tombs stored in Germany, items from thirteen were transported to Russia. The main part of the \"Troy Gold\" — 259 items, mainly of precious metals and stone — ended up in the Pushkin Museum. Other items from those same tombs, mainly bronze and earthenware, are stored in the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

Current State and Status

Since 1996, 51 years later, the \"Troy Gold\" 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 controversy. At different times, Germany and Turkey have made attempts to return them. However, in Russia, these values are considered a legitimate military trophy taken in 1945, and their return is not planned.

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