Print this page Homer and Troy: Myth, History and the Search for a Lost City

For centuries, many believed Homer's account of the Trojan War was simply legend. Then archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann uncovered evidence that transformed the debate. This course explores the historical and archaeological evidence for Troy, the enduring mystery surrounding Homer, and why the Iliad became one of the foundational works of Western literature. Participants will discover how myth, history and archaeology continue to illuminate one another in the search for the ancient world. Suitable for anyone interested in classics, archaeology and literature.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Homer: The Iliad and The Odyssey
• Robin Lane Fox : Homer and his Iliad
• British Museum: Troy - Myth and Reality

COURSE OUTLINE

• We will examine the Homeric myth of the Trojan War and how Schliemann "found" and (badly) excavated the site of Hisarlik, making off with the "jewels of Priam".
• What is the archaeological and other evidence for the existence of Troy and its destruction in war.
• Why is the myth so powerful and so enduring?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Know more about Homer and his importance in today's culture.
• Appreciate the value of ancient texts and suppose "myths".
• Come to grips with the role of Indiana Jones - type archaeological cowboys.