Homer and the Trojan War

Chapter 11 Lesson 2

Homer

The events of the Trojan War are narrated in many works of Greek literature and depicted in numerous works of Greek art.

The two most important works were the Iliad and the Odyssey.

– Written by Homer Each poem narrates part of the

Trojan War. Written between the 8the and

9th centuries B.C.

Troy

Troy

Located at the southern entrance to the Black Sea.

According to Homer, the city-state was originally an ally of the mainland Greece

Huge walls surrounded the city for protection.

How the war began

There was a festival in Greece celebrating the friendship between the Greeks and the Trojans.

Helen, considered the most beautiful woman in the Greek world and wife Menelaus, the Greek King, Achaeans.

– Treated her horribly– Fell in love with a Trojan Prince

named Paris – Paris convinced Helen to

escape Greece and live with him in Troy. (15:15)

As they sailed back to Troy

Menaulaus found out of his wife’s betrayal and convinced his brother to go to war with Troy to get her back.

– King Achaenas had been wanting to conquer the Trojans

Thousands of Greek soldiers, including their most famous Achilles, sail to attack Troy.

26:20 35:47

The Siege of Troy

Paris fights Manalaus for Helen, Hector kills Menalaus

117:03 Lasted 10 years

– Battles won by both sides– 135:354

Achilles did not want to fight for King Acheans

The death of this cousin Petroclus makes him fight for Greece

– 138:34 Many causalities on both sides. Achilles kills Hector During the 10th year, the Trojans were

finally able to push back the Greeks and it appeared that they were going home.

The End of the War

The Greeks pulled all of their ships out of the harbor and left a huge wooden horse as a gift for the Trojans.

– This was typical of the loser in a Greek War.

– The horse was taken back into walls of Troy

– Days of celebration followed

After the last day of celebration, as most of Troy slept, the soldiers busted out of horse and conquered the city. 215.06

Paris and Helen escaped with hundreds to the hills.

Achilles was killed by a wound to the tendon above the foot. 2:28.25