The Historicity of the Trojan War: Did the Trojan War really Happen
What do Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Dante, James Joyce, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, several computer viruses, and countless sports teams have in common? They were all inspired by the Trojan War.
But was there an actual Trojan War? If there was, what was the reason for the war? Could the kidnapping of the cow-eyed Helen have caused the war? Or did an argument about fishing rights cause it? And how long did the war last? Did it take place over a period of 10 years, as Homer wrote? When did Troy fall? There was already discussion about its fall in antiquity. Did it fall in 1135 BC (Ephorus), in 1184 BC/1183 BC (Eratosthenes), around 1250 BC (Herodotus), or 1193 BC (Timaeus)?
In this assignment, you will defend the historicity of the Trojan War or you will argue against it. In either case, you will support your position with evidence. This is an interesting problem because there is no wrong answer. However, there is a good answer, and there is a better answer. Think carefully!