A minor but very real point that needs to be addressed is the fact that, though records of a Troy (or Wilusa) exist, nothing that proves the existence of a Trojan War has been archaeologically uncovered. Though the Trojan War lasted for 10 years (citation needed), not one record of a massive 10-year excursion in northwest Asia-minor is mentioned by the Hittites or the Egyptians, the two great powers of the day.

During the excavation or Troy only one Greek item was found, a single arrowhead. Certainly if there was a ten year encampment of Grecian warriors outside the walls and ransacking the town there would be more evidence of their presence than a single arrowhead.

Worthy of brief mention is the Tawagalawa Letter, a message sent from the Hittite king Hattusili III to the king of the Ahhiyawa; near the end of which Wilusa (possibly stemming from Ilusa, or Ilia for Iliad) is mentioned: “…in the matter of Wilusa over which we were at enmity, he has converted me and we have made friends…” (Garstang p.113).

Why is this letter being mentioned here? Clearly Wilusa (probably Troy) is a real location, and a war for the territory occurred there. However, no record proves that this is the same war that is mentioned in Homer’s epic poem or nearly as long.

So did the Trojan War really happen and did Homer just over-dramatize the story to keep it entertaining? Or is the story a fraud? Due to the lack of evidence that has been discovered for either side, professionals debate heavily.