Norbert Lange

Norbert Lange, a figure of mystery and duality

Early Life and Travels

Born in 1843 in Meseritz, Prussia (present-day Międzyrzecz, Poland), Norbert Lange's childhood and upbringing remain shrouded in mystery, with little known about his early life.

He embarked on extensive travels throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, documenting his experiences through meticulous notes and sketches.

Ambition and Intrigue

Lange possessed boundless ambition and sought to make a name for himself. His adventurous spirit led him to join a German expedition to North Africa in 1873.

But beneath this façade of exploration lay a more clandestine motive. Lange had a keen eye for antiquities and developed a reputation as a "dealer in antiquities."

Controversial Archaeological Discoveries

In 1884, Lange made a controversial discovery in the Nile Delta, excavating a cache of artifacts that he claimed to be from the lost city of Mendes.

The authenticity of these artifacts was hotly debated, with many scholars questioning their provenance and accusing Lange of fraud.

Later Life and Legacy

Lange's later life remains a mystery. He disappeared from public view after 1890 and is believed to have died in relative obscurity.

His legacy as an explorer and archaeologist remains complex and contested, with some hailing him as a pioneering figure and others condemning him as a fraudulent dealer in antiquities.