Conclusion

The Iliad, put to paper by Homer, has become the most well-known tale from Ancient Greece. But was it just a tale? Well, likely no. Homer was writing about events that had occurred more then one hundred years before his time while using the oral tradition of being a bard to tell this story. So, it makes sense that Gods were involved, he was telling stories that had taken place long ago, and involvement of the Gods in those stories are common.

Considering this was such a long time ago Homer’s ability to recall artifacts that were not present or known during that time only shows the validity of this tale and it’s details passed through the bard tradition. He describes a helmet made of boars tusks very accurately which were native to the Bronze Age (when the Trojan War likely took place). But those helmets were long gone and completely unknown during his time. Homer also explains a great goblet that belonged to King Nestor. And many years later a cup was found, its inscription claimed it was the cup of Nestor.

For many years Troy was not believed to be a real place but Schliemann, through his excavation of the Hisslarik in Turkey, proved that Troy was in fact real. Unfortunately through his archaeological endeavors he destroyed Troy VIIA, the one now believed to be the Troy described in the Iliad. So unfortunately much information was lost. But what is left does show some evidence of a long siege and destruction.

Unfortunately there will always be questions surrounding the validity of Troy and the Trojan War. The Hittites and Egyptians have little to no records of the ten year siege. And the heavy involvement of the Gods so raise questions regarding the tales validity.

Scholars debate the existence of this war to this day, but the evidence that supports its occurrence outweighs that to the contrary.