Sophia Schliemann became not only a docile wife to her husband but also an equal partner and helper in his numerous activities. She accompanied him on his numerous journeys and excavations. After Schliemann's death, she financed Dörpfeld's further excavations in Troy.
Something of Heinrich Schliemann's fame was to fall on his wife as well. Unfortunately, he did not always stick to the truth: he claimed that his wife had been there when the so-called Treasure of Priam was found on May 31, 1873. This was a lie, as he later admitted, because Sophia was in Athens for her father's funeral. A little later, he wrote to Charles Newton that he had only written Sophia into the history of the find because she "had such beautiful dispositions and he wanted to make an archaeologist out of her".
"You have always been a loving wife, a good comrade and reliable helmsman in difficult situations, as well as a dear companion and a mother like no other. It was such a joy for me to see you in the adornment of your virtues that I, by Zeus, already now promise you marriage for your future life."
Schliemann to Sophia on the 21st wedding anniversary (September 24, 1890)