Troy is a legendary city famous for the ten-year Trojan War, inextricably linked with some of the most prominent characters in Greek mythology - from the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite (as well as the beautiful Helen) to the heroes Achilles, Paris and Odysseus. Many are familiar with the legend of the fall of Troy. But is there even a grain of truth in this tradition, which says that the cause of the greatest conflict was the love of Paris for Elena? Did it really end only after the Greeks brought the Trojan horse into the city? And in general, was this war? Was the city called Troy?
The myth of the Three begins with the celebration of the wedding of the sea goddess Thetis and King Peleus, one of the Argonauts who, together with Jason, took part in the search for the golden fleece. The couple did not invite the goddess of discord Eridu to the celebration, but she nevertheless came and threw a golden apple on the table with the inscription: "The most beautiful." Hera, Athena and Aphrodite reached for the apple at the same time. To resolve the conflict, Zeus entrusted the making of a responsible decision to the most beautiful of all living men - Paris, the son of King Priam of Troy.
Hera promised Paris tremendous power if he chose her, Athena - military glory, and Aphrodite - the love of the most beautiful woman in the world. Paris decided to give the golden apple to Aphrodite, and she pointed out to him Helen, Menelaus's wife. The young man went in search of the Greek city of Sparta, where he was received as a guest of honor. While the king of Sparta was at the funeral, Paris and Elena fled to Troy, taking with them a significant part of his wealth. Having discovered the loss of his wife and treasures, Menelaus became angry and immediately gathered the former suitors of Elena, who swore an oath to protect their marriage. They decided to gather an army and go to Troy. So the seed of the Trojan War was sown.
It took more than two years to prepare, and now the Greek fleet of more than 1000 ships is ready to sail. The fleet was led by King Agamemnon of Mycenae. He assembled ships in the port of Aulis (eastern part of Central Greece), but a fair wind was needed to go to sea. Then the soothsayer Calchas told Agamemnon that in order for the fleet to set sail, he must sacrifice his daughter Iphigsnia to the goddess Artemis. Having performed this barbaric, but apparently necessary sacrifice, the Greeks were able to go to Troy. For nine years battles raged. During this time, many of the great heroes of the warring parties died, including Achilles, who was killed by Paris. Nevertheless, the Greeks could not destroy the powerful walls of Troy and enter the city. In the tenth year of the war, the cunning Odysseus decided to build a giant wooden horse, inside which a cavity was deliberately left,where Greek warriors and Odysseus himself could hide. The Greek fleet set sail, leaving the horse behind the gates of Troy, as if admitting defeat. When the Trojans saw the retreating ships and a huge wooden horse outside the city walls, they rejoiced, believing in their victory, and dragged the horse into the city. At night, the Greeks got out of the horse, opened the gates of Troy and let in the entire Greek army. The Trojans were unable to fight back and were defeated. Polyxena, daughter of Priam, was sacrificed at the grave of Achilles. The same fate befell the son of Hector Astianax. Menelaus intended to kill the unfaithful Elena, but could not resist her beauty and saved her life.they rejoiced, believing in their victory, and dragged the horse into the city. At night, the Greeks got out of the horse, opened the gates of Troy and let in the entire Greek army. The Trojans were unable to fight back and were defeated. Polyxena, daughter of Priam, was sacrificed at the grave of Achilles. The same fate befell the son of Hector Astianax. Menelaus intended to kill the unfaithful Elena, but could not resist her beauty and saved her life.they rejoiced, believing in their victory, and dragged the horse into the city. At night, the Greeks got out of the horse, opened the gates of Troy and let in the entire Greek army. The Trojans were unable to fight back and were defeated. Polyxena, daughter of Priam, was sacrificed at the grave of Achilles. The same fate befell the son of Hector Astianax. Menelaus intended to kill the unfaithful Elena, but could not resist her beauty and saved her life.
The legend of Troy is first mentioned in Homer's Iliad (circa 750 BC). Later the story was expanded and supplemented. The Roman poets Virgil ("Aeneid") and Ovid ("Metamorphoses") wrote about Troy. Ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Thucydides were convinced that the Trojan War was part of historical reality. Referring to the words of Homer, they wrote that Troy was on a hill above the Hellespont (modern Dardanelles) - a narrow strait between the Aegean and Black seas. It was a strategically important shopping center. For hundreds of years, researchers and collectors of antiquities, captivated by the legend of Troy, have studied the area, which in ancient times was called Troada (now part of northwestern Turkey). But more than other seekers of Troy became famous German businessman Heinrich Schliemann. He managed to find Troy. Guided only by information,recovered from Homer's Iliad, he decided that the city was located on the hill of Hisarlik a few miles from the Dardanelles, and in 1870 he began excavations, which lasted until 1890. Schliemann found the remains of several ancient cities that existed between the early Bronze century (3 thousand BC) and the late Roman period. Believing that Troy is located in the lower archaeological layers, Schliemann quickly and carelessly overcame the upper layers of the earth, irrevocably destroying many important historical monuments. In 1873, Schliemann found many gold objects, which he called "Priam's treasures," and announced to the whole world that he had found Homeric Troy.that existed between the early Bronze Age (3 thousand BC) and the late Roman period. Believing that Troy is located in the lower archaeological layers, Schliemann quickly and carelessly overcame the upper layers of the earth, irrevocably destroying many important historical monuments. In 1873, Schliemann found many gold objects, which he called "Priam's treasures," and announced to the whole world that he had found Homeric Troy.that existed between the early Bronze Age (3 thousand BC) and the late Roman period. Believing that Troy is located in the lower archaeological layers, Schliemann quickly and carelessly overcame the upper layers of the earth, irrevocably destroying many important historical monuments. In 1873, Schliemann found many gold objects, which he called "Priam's treasures," and announced to the whole world that he had found Homeric Troy.
A heated debate erupted as to whether Schliemann actually found the gold objects there, or whether he deliberately placed them there to confirm that this place is indeed the legendary Troy. It has been established that Schliemann repeatedly distorted the facts: he stated that he himself had found the location of Troy on the Hisarlik hill during his first visit to Troad. However, it is known that at that time the British archaeologist and diplomat Frank Calvert was already conducting excavations in this place, since this land belonged to his family. Calvert was convinced that ancient Troy was located on the Hisarlik hill, so he assisted Schliemann during his first excavations. Later, when Schliemann gained worldwide recognition as “the one who found the city of Homer,” he claimed that Calvert did not help him. The current heirs of Calvert, residing in England and America,declare their rights to a part of the treasures recovered from the Hisarlik hill.
Modern research has shown that the amazing gold finds discovered by Schliemann are much older than he expected, and the city located on the hill of Hisarlik, which Schliemann considered Homeric Troy, actually dates from 2400-2200. BC e., that is, it existed at least a thousand years before the supposed date of the beginning of the Trojan War.
Leaving aside the selfishness of Schliemann, one should recognize the positive aspect of his activities, if only because he drew the attention of the world community to the antiquities of the Hisarlik hill. After Schliemann, research work on the hill was carried out by Wilhelm Dörpfeld (1893-1894), the American archaeologist Karl Blegen (1932-1938) and a group of scientists from the Universities of Tübingen and Cincinnati under the leadership of Professor Manfred Korfmann. As a result of the excavations of Tron, it was possible to establish that at this place in different periods (they can be divided into a number of sub-periods) there were nine cities that existed from the early Bronze Age (3 thousand BC) - Troy-I and ending with the Hellenistic period (323-30 BC) - Troy-IX. The most likely candidate for the title of Homeric Troy, judging by the dating, is considered Troy-VIIIa (1300-1180 BC). BC). Many scholars agree with the opinion that Troy-VIIIa best fits the description of Homer. In addition, it was in the city of this time that traces of fires were found, which means that the city was destroyed during the war. The connection between Troy-VIIIa and mainland Greece is confirmed by Greek objects of the Mycenaean period (late Bronze Age), especially a large number of pottery, which, apparently, were imported here. Moreover, Troy-VIIIa was a fairly large city, as evidenced by the finds - a number of human remains and several bronze arrowheads forged in the fortress and city. However, a significant part of the artifacts are still in the ground, and the objects found are not enough to confirm the hypothesis that the destruction of the city is the work of human hands, and not the result of a natural cataclysm.for example the strongest earthquake. Be that as it may, if Homeric Troy is considered a real city, then, based on modern knowledge, it can be argued that Troy-VIIIa suits this role in the best way. More recently, geologists John C. Kraft of the University of Delaware and John W. Luce of Trinity College Dublin have discovered evidence of the existence of Troy on Hisarlik Hill. They conducted geological studies of the area: they studied the features of the landscape near the hill and the properties of the soil in the coastal zone. Thus, research in the field of sedimentology (Sedimentology is the science of sedimentary rocks and modern sediments, their material composition, structure, patterns and conditions of formation and change) and geomorphology (Geomorphology is the science of the relief of land, the bottom of the oceans and seas, which studies the external appearance,origin, age of the relief, history of its development, modern dynamics and patterns of distribution) confirmed the information obtained from Homer's Iliad.
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Even the existence of the mysterious giant Trojan horse, which was perhaps the most incredible subject in Homer's narrative, is also explained in terms of modern science. British historian Michael Wood is convinced that the Trojan Horse was not just a clever ploy to enter a city, but rather a ram or horse-like primitive siege weapon. Such devices were known in Greece during the classical period. For example, the Spartans used battering rams during the siege of Plataea in 479 BC. e. According to another version, the horse symbolized Poseidon - the ruthless god of earthquakes, so the Trojan horse could well be a metaphor for an earthquake, which irreversibly weakened the city's defenses, allowing Greek troops to easily penetrate inside. Later, other, albeit controversial, data appeared, confirming the reality of the existence of Troy. They are contained in the correspondence and annals of the kings of the Hittite kingdom, found in Anatolia (modern Turkey) and dating back to 1320 BC. BC, which speak of the tense military and political situation in the powerful state of Akhiyava, controlled by the kingdom known as Valusa. Scientists identify the latter with the Greek Ilion, Troy, and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Aheia" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.found in Anatolia (modern Turkey) and dating back to 1320 BC. BC, which speak of the tense military and political situation in the powerful state of Akhiyava, controlled by the kingdom known as Valusa. Scientists identify the latter with the Greek Ilion, Troy, and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Aheia" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.found in Anatolia (modern Turkey) and dating back to 1320 BC. BC, which speak of the tense military and political situation in the powerful state of Akhiyava, controlled by the kingdom known as Valusa. Scientists identify the latter with the Greek Ilion, Troy, and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Aheia" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.which speak of the tense military and political situation in the powerful state of Akhiyawa, controlled by the kingdom known as Valusa. Scientists identify the latter with the Greek Ilion, Troy, and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Aheia" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.which speak of the tense military and political situation in the powerful state of Akhiyawa, controlled by the kingdom known as Valusa. Scientists identify the latter with the Greek Ilion, Troy, and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Aheia" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Achaeia" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.and the Greeks called Ahiyava "Achaea" - the country of the Achaeans, whom Homer in the "Iliad" presents as the pre-Greek tribes. This hypothesis is controversial, although it was positively received by most scholars, as it gave impetus to the study of relations between Greece and the Middle East during the late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, no Hittite written sources have yet been found that mention a conflict that could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.which could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.which could be regarded as the Trojan War in Troas.
So, was there a major conflict that unfolded on the Hisarlik hill in 1200 BC? er … the Trojan War? Most probably not. Homer wrote about the semi-mythical era of heroes, about a story that was passed from mouth to mouth for at least four centuries. Even if the war did take place, information about it was most likely lost or distorted. It should be recognized that some of the items mentioned in the Homeric narrative date from the late Bronze Age - various types of armor and weapons that were well known in 1200-750. BC e., that is, in those years when the poet wrote his work. In addition, Homer names the Greek cities of his time, which, in his opinion, played a particularly important role during the Trojan War. Archaeological excavations carried out on the site of these cities usually provedthat they were centers of paramount importance during the late Bronze Age. There is no doubt that Troy, located in such an important place, above the Hellespont, on the border between the Hittite kingdom and the Greek world, was bound to become a theater of military operations in the late Bronze Age. Most likely, Homer's story is a memory of individual conflicts between the Greeks and the inhabitants of Troas, which he united into one decisive epic struggle - the war of all wars. If this is true, then the legend of the Trojan War is based on real historical events, even if the legends of antiquity. Passing from mouth to mouth, the storytellers supplemented it with extraordinary details. Perhaps even the beautiful Helena Troyanskaya appeared in the story much later.
Source: "Great secrets and mysteries of history." B. Houghton