Cooler Than We'll Ever Be

I've been researching 19th century archaeologists for a boardgame that Chris and I are designing, and ran across what must be the most RPGish figure in actual history...

Giovanni Belzoni: Egyptian Tomb Robber. A 6'7" former circus strongman known as "The Patagonian Samson," Belzoni's knowledge of gunpowder, hydraulics, and levers enabled him to transport statues and other large artifacts. On collecting trips, he could influence local inhabitants either through conversation or, if necessary, by simply picking them up and shaking them. Most of the artifacts in the Egyptian Room of the British Museum are there through Belzoni's efforts.