Homer and the Trojan War

1. Homer and the Trojan War Chapter 11 Lesson 2

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.

3. Troy

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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

7. The Siege of Troy • Lasted 10 years • 117:03 • Many causalities on both sides. • During the 10th year, the Trojans were finally able to push back the Greeks and it appeared that they were going home.

8. 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

9. After the last day of celebration, as most of Troy slept, the soldiers busted out of horse and conquered the city. • 215:04 • 25:20 • Paris and Helen escaped with hundreds to the hills. • Achilles was killed by a wound to the tendon above the foot.