Carl Blegen's work at Troy

Blegen's dig at Troy lasted seven seasons, 1932-38, and become known as a landmark in archaeology, as it was the first time that an Aegian bronze-age dig was adequately photographed. The majority of his work dealing with Troy I &II, Blegen made important chronological discoveries by isolating the 47 strata of Troy and thereby accurately placing Troy I & II within a relatively unknown bronze-age period.

On Troy VI, Blegen stood in contrast to Dorpfeld by suggesting that the destruction of its' walls was the work of a natural disaster instead of Agamemnon's army in what would be the Trojan War. This assertion was supported by the subsequent discovery of siege remnants in Troy VII. As evidenced by traces of tenant-style living, believed rationing stations, and the lack of imported luxuries, Blegen furthermore asserted that Troy VII must have been the legendary city. Following these initial claims, Blegen reported that the city appeared to have been destroyed by fire, with traces of bodies and skulls throughout the city accompanied by an Achaean arrowhead. Blegen's claims thus seemed solidified by a comprehensive body of evidence.

Blegen contributed much to the body of theory around the excavation of Troy, and his findings were greeted by appraisal from the classical community. However, as is a common problem with archaeological findings, much of Blegen's proof resides in the realm of speculation, with absolute evidence rare if not absent. Though his work was well-received, critics claim that it neglected to prove significant outside the sphere of Anatolian archaeology, disregarding leads to information of geographic significance. In addition, technical aspects of Blegen's assumptions like those dealing with Troy VI's destruction, have raised suspect criticism, especially in recent years.

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[Heinrich Schliemann][Wilhelm Dorpfeld][Carl Blegen]]

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joseph billeaud & bill baird
4/21/97
comments to:jbilleaud@mail.utexas.edu or billbaird@mail.utexas.edu