Wars are won or lost on a number of strategic factors: the greatest fighters, a well-equipped army, ferocious weaponry, and a well thought out ploy. Given these all played out on the plain of Troy another major element was integral in the final outcome of the war. Each side had allies, whereas the Akhaians were predominantly Greek, the Trojans bolstered their numbers from neighbouring states, empires with whom they had trade treaties.
An ally is:
• A state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose.
Ally something to/with
• Combine or unite a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit.
The Trojan allies came from near and far, but the ones who get the most mention in the Iliad come from Lycia. In Hittite language it was called Lukka, Lykia is the Greek interpretation. Lycia was located in southern coast of Turkey, now the region of Antalya and Mugla. According to historical accounts, Lycia existed circa 1450BCE though they may have been in the region longer, however they did not leave any written records behind. The earliest mention of the Lycians is from Hittite and Egyptian texts which did not paint them in a positive light. From the Hittite and Egyptian transaction reports they considered the Lycians as rebels, pirates and raiders.
Sarpedon, a prince from Lycia and a son of Zeus, was the esteemed warrior who led the army. From excerpts in the poem, Sarpedon proves himself to be a worthy opponent and a strong ally. He did not shy away from bloody combat and when Hektor thought to retreat after a particular vicious attack by the Greeks fronted by Diomedes, Sarpedon has a few words to say.
Hektor, where is the spirit you used to show? You talked of holding the town without troops or allies, single-handed but for your brothers and brothers-in-law. But I look around and can’t see a single one. They are cowering like dogs before a lion, while we do the fighting, though we came in only as your allies.
Take me. It was a long, long journey I made to reinforce you. It is a far cry from Lycia and the eddying River Xanthus…
Book 5, Lines 472-479
Well, more than a few words…
His bravery and valour was shown many times, he even pulled down the defensive wall the Greeks had built. This display encouraged his men to charge in and fight. Neither side gave ground and was a brutal battle.
It was Patroklos who killed the steadfast Sarpedon during a chariot confrontation, an act which resulted in his own death. Glaukos, Sarpedon’s countryman, rallied the Lycians to protect the body of their prince and prevent it from being stripped by the Greeks.
Patroklos threw his spear… It struck Sarpedon where the lungs enclosed his dense heart…
Book 16, Lines 479-480
Zeus commanded Apollo to retrieve his son’s body, clean and anoint it with ambrosia where he was later taken to Lycia for an honourable burial.
Sarpedon showed depth of character as a respected and valuable ally, one who did not shirk his responsibilities or support.