Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Troy

Troy is an ancient city situated on the Hisarlık mound in northwestern , modern-day , near the entrance to the strait, and is famed as the setting of the in Homer's epic poem, the . The site, a World Heritage property since 1998, spans approximately 4,000 years of history, with extensive remains illustrating early interactions between Anatolian, Aegean, and Balkan civilizations. Archaeological evidence reveals nine major settlement layers (Troy I–IX), representing continuous occupation from the Early around 3000 BC through the Roman period, making it a pivotal site for understanding Bronze Age urban development in the . The city's historical significance extends beyond Greek mythology, as Hittite texts from the 13th century BC refer to a place called Wilusa (likely ) and a Alaksandu, suggesting a real kingdom in the region that may have clashed with Mycenaean . Layers Troy VI (c. 1750–1300 BC) and VIIa (c. 1300–1180 BC) represent the site's peak prosperity, featuring massive fortifications, palaces, and evidence of trade with distant regions, aligning temporally with the putative date of the around 1180 BC. Although no definitive proof of a grand or exists, the destruction layers in Troy VIIa show signs of conflict, fire, and rebuilding, supporting a historical to the Homeric narrative. Excavations at Hisarlık began in the 19th century, transforming Troy from to verified . German archaeologist initiated digs in 1870, uncovering multiple city levels and artifacts like the controversial "" hoard of gold and jewelry, though he mistakenly attributed them to the wrong layer. American archaeologist Carl Blegen's expedition from 1932 to 1938 provided a more systematic analysis, identifying the layer sequence and linking Troy VIIa to the Iliad's era. Subsequent work, including by Turkish teams and international collaborations, has employed modern techniques like satellite imaging and to map unexcavated areas, revealing only about 10% of the site has been explored despite over 140 years of effort. Recent excavations in 2024 and 2025 have uncovered additional evidence of military conflict in the Troy VIIa destruction layer, including sling stones, arrowheads, burned structures, and hastily buried human remains. Today, Troy serves as a and major tourist destination, underscoring its enduring cultural impact on , , and historical scholarship.

Names and Etymology

Ancient Names

In ancient Greek literature, particularly Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the city is primarily referred to as Ilion (Ἴλιον) or Ilios (Ἴλιος), names used interchangeably with Troia (Τροία) to denote the central stronghold of the Trojan kingdom. These terms evoke the mythical foundation of the city by Ilus, son of Tros, who established the royal line and gave his name to the settlement. Homer employs Ilion over 150 times across his epics, emphasizing its role as the focal point of the Trojan War narrative. Alternative designations in Greek sources include Dardania (Δαρδανία), which typically refers to the wider region encompassing the Troad plain and the lands of the Dardanoi, Trojan allies led by from . This name stems from the legendary figure Dardanus, an ancestor of the Trojan kings, and appears in the to distinguish allied territories from the urban core of Ilion. In Roman literature, the Greek Troia was Latinized as Troia or Troya, while Ilion became Ilium, reflecting the cultural adaptation of the Trojan legend. Virgil's prominently features Troia to recount the city's destruction and the exodus of its survivors, portraying it as the ancestral origin of . The poet uses Troia repeatedly in Books 2 and 3 to evoke for the sacked citadel. Classical historians such as also employed Troia when referencing the historical and legendary events at the site, dating the to around 1250 BCE and linking it to broader conflicts between and Asiatics. This usage underscores Troia's prominence in accounts of interactions.

Hittite and Local References

In texts from the 15th to 13th centuries BCE, the of appears frequently in , treaties, and military records, often in the context of western n affairs. Scholars equate Wilusa with Bronze Age Troy through linguistic parallels, as the Hittite term closely resembles the Greek Ilion (or Wilios in epic dialect), suggesting a shared Indo-European root for the site's name. This identification is supported by the geographical positioning of Wilusa in northwestern , aligning with the location of the at Hisarlık. Luwian inscriptions and related Anatolian sources provide variants such as Truwisa or Wilusiya, indicating a local among the Luwian-speaking populations of the , who likely formed the cultural milieu of the Trojans. These forms reflect the Anatolian Indo-European linguistic environment, distinct from later , and underscore Troy's integration into Luwian networks rather than purely Hittite imperial structures. A key document is the Alaksandu Treaty from the 1270s BCE, in which Hittite king establishes a agreement with Alaksandu, ruler of , obligating the city to loyalty and military support. The treaty notably references interactions with Ahhiyawa—a term interpreted by many scholars as denoting the or Mycenaean —highlighting Wilusa's role in geopolitical tensions between and the Aegean. Debates persist regarding Taruiša, another Hittite toponym from texts like the Annals of Tudhaliya I/II (ca. 1400 BCE), which some propose as an alternative designation for the region encompassing Troy. Initially suggested by Forrer in the early , this equation relies on its proximity to Wilusiya in source lists and shared anti-Hittite alliances, though critics argue it may refer to a separate locality due to phonetic and contextual discrepancies. The Greek Ilion represents a later Hellenized of these Anatolian names.

Modern Terminology

The name "Troy" experienced a significant revival during the through the efforts of archaeologist , who was profoundly influenced by Homer's and sought to locate the legendary city described in the epic. Beginning his excavations at the Hisarlık mound in 1870, Schliemann declared the site to be the Homeric Troy, thereby reestablishing the classical name in both scholarly discourse and popular imagination after centuries of it being viewed primarily as mythological. This identification drew on the ancient term "," adapting it directly for modern usage without alteration. The mound where Troy is located bears the local designation Hisarlık, derived from and translating to "place of fortresses," a nod to the visible ruins of multiple defensive structures that had long intrigued travelers and scholars. Following the founding of the Republic of Turkey in , the site adopted the official Turkish name Truva, a phonetic adaptation of the Latin and "Troia," which became standard in governmental, touristic, and academic contexts within the country. In 1998, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization () inscribed the location on its World Heritage List under the title "," emphasizing its global significance as a testament to early interactions between Anatolian and Aegean civilizations. This designation solidified "Troy" as the internationally recognized term, while Truva remains prevalent in Turkish-language references.

Archaeological Site

Troy I–II

Troy I, dating to approximately 3000–2600 BCE, represents the initial settled phase at the , characterized by a modest proto-urban community of mud- houses arranged in rows along narrow streets. These structures featured stone foundations supporting sun-dried walls and flat roofs, with simple rectangular layouts lacking internal divisions, reflecting basic domestic needs typical of early Anatolian villages. Pottery from this period consisted primarily of handmade vessels in and burnished wares, often with combed or incised decorations, aligning with regional Anatolian styles and indicating production without significant external influences. Fortifications were absent or rudimentary, suggesting a peaceful early occupation focused on and limited exchange. The transition to Troy II around 2600 BCE marked a period of expansion and sophistication, lasting until about 2200 BCE, with the settlement growing into a more organized urban center enclosed by substantial fortifications. These defenses included thick stone-based walls up to 5 meters high, reinforced with mud-brick, and featuring projecting towers and a gated entrance approximately 2 meters wide, designed to protect an of about 9 hectares. Within the walls, evolved to include megaron-style buildings—rectangular halls with central hearths and porches—such as a prominent central complex interpreted as a or elite residence, alongside clustered houses similar to those of Troy I but more refined. Artifacts from this phase demonstrate technological advancement, including wheel-thrown pottery in distinctive "Trojan Ware" with polished surfaces and geometric motifs, as well as metal objects like tools and ornaments crafted from arsenical and early tin-bronze alloys. Recent 2025 excavations uncovered a gold fibula and imported jade stone, highlighting advanced and long-distance in Troy II. Troy II's economic prominence stemmed from its strategic location in the Troad region, facilitating trade in metals such as copper sourced from nearby Anatolian deposits and tin possibly imported from distant networks, evidenced by chemical analyses showing about 70% of copper-alloy artifacts as high-tin, low-arsenic bronze. The presence of multiple standardized weighing systems in artifacts underscores its role as a mercantile hub connecting the Aegean, central Anatolia, and the eastern Mediterranean. Hoards of precious metals, including gold and silver vessels and jewelry, further highlight accumulated wealth from these exchanges. The phase culminated in the sub-phase Troy IIg, which ended abruptly around 2300 BCE with widespread destruction layers indicating fire damage across the settlement, potentially caused by an or human , though the exact mechanism remains debated. This event led to a brief abandonment before continuity in settlement patterns during the subsequent Troy III phase.

Troy III–V

Troy III–V represent the Middle Bronze Age phases at the site of Hisarlık, following the destruction of the prosperous Troy II settlement around 2200 BCE, marking a period of recovery and gradual development without evidence of large-scale catastrophes. These layers, dated approximately from 2200 to 1700 BCE, show a shift toward more modest and cultural orientations influenced by regional Anatolian and Aegean traditions, reflecting stability and sustained trade networks. Troy III, spanning roughly 2200–2100 BCE, is characterized by the repair and fortification of earlier walls, with excavations revealing stone-built houses arranged in possible apartment-like structures sharing party walls, indicating simpler and more compact architecture compared to the monumental layouts of Troy II. assemblages feature wheelmade forms such as flaring bowls, tankards, and beak-spouted jugs, with about 50% continuity from Troy I types and the emergence of gray ware vessels, alongside imports from Early Helladic/Early Cycladic cultures in the Aegean. The settlement ended in demolition, possibly due to natural causes, but no signs of violent destruction appear, suggesting a peaceful transition. Troy IV and V, from circa 2100 to 1700 BCE, witnessed the expansion of the citadel with mudbrick structures on stone socles forming insula-style blocks, larger rooms, and built-in features like domed ovens and hearths, pointing to improved domestic organization and population growth. Cultural influences are evident from Balkan parallels in Early Helladic III pottery and Central Anatolian traditions in wheelmade, straw-tempered wares like red-cross bowls and jars with wing-handles, while artifacts such as decorated spindle whorls and tin-bronze tools highlight technological exchanges. The absence of major destructions across these phases underscores societal stability, with evidence of equestrian practices inferred from horse-related artifacts and the site's strategic position facilitating trade with Aegean ports and Black Sea regions via inland routes. Seals and sealings, including Syro-Cilician stamp types and early Minoan forms with Egyptian motifs, attest to administrative contacts extending to Cilicia, Crete, and Anatolia, potentially signaling early Indo-European linguistic and cultural interactions through Luwian-influenced networks.

Troy VI

Troy VI represents the apogee of urban development at the site, dating from approximately 1750 to 1300 BCE. During this phase, the settlement expanded into a fortified citadel measuring about 200 by 300 meters, surrounded by a massive wall constructed of large blocks with a mud-brick superstructure reaching up to 10 meters in height and up to 5 meters thick at the base. These fortifications incorporated at least nine rectangular towers, some as large as 18 by 8 meters, and monumental gates that provided controlled access, reflecting advanced engineering techniques influenced by regional Anatolian styles. Within the citadel, elite residences included megaron-style buildings—rectangular halls with central hearths and porticoes—suggesting palatial functions for administrative and ceremonial purposes. Archaeological evidence indicates extensive international contacts, particularly through pottery imports that point to alliances and cultural exchanges. Mycenaean-style ceramics from Greece, including kylikes and deep bowls, appear in significant quantities, comprising up to 1% of the assemblage and likely representing direct imports from regions like . Similarly, Grey Minyan ware, a wheel-made gray associated with Middle Helladic traditions, was produced locally but drew on Aegean prototypes, underscoring ties to networks. This period coincides with references to the city as in Hittite texts, positioning it within the empire's western . Troy VI's strategic location at the strait facilitated its role as a hub on maritime trade routes linking the to the , generating wealth through tolls levied on passing vessels carrying goods like metals, timber, and . Limited finds of metalwork and seals suggest accumulated prosperity, while intramural graves with weapons and jewelry hint at possible royal burials for high-status individuals. The concluded around 1300 BCE with a gradual decline, marked by an that damaged structures but lacked of violent destruction, leading seamlessly into the rebuilding efforts of Troy VII.

Troy VII

Troy VII represents the final of the Late settlement at Hisarlık, characterized by , enhancements, and of leading to destruction. This period is divided into Troy VIIa (c. 1300–1180 BCE) and Troy VIIb (c. 1180–1000 BCE), following the damage to Troy VI that prompted initial rebuilding efforts. In Troy VIIa, experienced significant population pressure, with houses densely packed and often constructed directly against the existing walls, using shared party walls and simple one- or two-room layouts. Large storage jars (pithoi) were sunk into floors, suggesting preparations for a prolonged or . Human skeletons were discovered in the streets and houses amid the destruction layers, indicating from rather than natural causes. The settlement was ultimately destroyed by a fierce around 1230–1180 BCE, accompanied by arrowheads and piles of stones that point to an involving ranged weaponry. Imported , including over 60 pieces and local imitations, reflects continued Aegean trade ties during this turbulent era. Following the VIIa destruction, survivors reoccupied the site in Troy VIIb, repairing fortifications and building new houses atop the ruins without major cultural disruption. styles shifted to include later Mycenaean LH IIIC types and local "Coarse Ware," while practices persisted. This phase ended with further destruction layers around 1000 BCE, marking the transition out of the , though the causes—whether renewed conflict or other factors—remain debated. The violent end of Troy VIIa has been linked by some scholars to the historical kernel of the described in Homeric epics.

Troy VIII–IX

Troy VIII, spanning approximately the BCE to 85 BCE, marked the resettlement of the by Aeolian colonists, likely from nearby islands such as or , who established a modest community on the ruins of earlier layers. This phase featured small-scale rebuilding, including a new in the lower town and a or early to constructed within the citadel around the 7th century BCE. The settlement emphasized continuity in local traditions while incorporating influences, transforming the into a revered holy place tied to Homeric legends of the . During the Hellenistic period within Troy VIII, particularly under the rule of in the late 4th century BCE following the Great's visit in 334 BCE—where he honored the site with sacrifices at 's —the city saw notable enhancements. These included the erection of a grand Doric to Athena, the largest of its kind in northwestern Minor, alongside renovations to , the addition of a for council meetings, and the construction of a theater capable of seating up to 10,000 spectators. These developments underscored Troy's growing status as a cultural and pilgrimage center, attracting devotees drawn to its mythic heritage. The phase ended abruptly in 85 BCE when the Roman general Gaius Flavius Fimbria, during the , sacked and destroyed the city after an 11-day siege, though his commander soon defeated him and initiated rebuilding efforts. Troy IX, from 85 BCE to around 400–500 CE, represented a Roman refounding of the site as Ilium, leveraging its legendary ties to to bolster Roman identity. Under imperial patronage, the city expanded with monumental architecture, including a grand theater, an odeon for musical performances, bath complexes, and an extensive aqueduct system supplying water from distant sources; at its peak in the 2nd–3rd centuries , the population reached approximately 10,000. Emperors such as , , and further invested in the site, funding repairs after earthquakes and enhancing public spaces to affirm its prestige. Troy IX experienced gradual decline after the CE, particularly following Constantine's reign, as economic shifts and repeated seismic events eroded its vitality, culminating in near-abandonment by 500 CE. In its later stages, the transition to was evident through the construction of basilicas, reflecting the empire's religious evolution, though precise locations of these early churches remain uncertain. The settlement showed brief continuity from Troy VII ruins as a foundational layer, but focused on and innovations rather than revival.

Excavation History

Early Modern Explorations

During the , interest in Homeric Troy was revived through translations, maps, and narratives that blended with emerging historical inquiry. Latin editions of Homeric texts appeared in print as early as 1474, making the epics more accessible and fueling scholarly debates on their geographical accuracy. Medieval Troy stories from the , such as the Cypria and , provided a complete absent in Homer's focused poems, influencing and that depicted Troy's plain with increasing detail. In the , European travelers began visiting the region, contributing eyewitness accounts that bridged and topography. A notable example is the 1648 visit by Chrissandros, whose observations added to the growing body of seeking Homeric sites. By the , systematic explorations intensified, with British antiquarian Robert Wood leading expeditions to the in 1750–1751 alongside James Dawkins and John Bouverie. Wood's travels along the River sought to match 's descriptions, though he concluded that earthquakes and sedimentation had erased physical remains, placing Troy lower than ancient springs but above the plain. His findings, detailed in the privately circulated Essay on the Original Genius and Writings of Homer (1767, published 1775), popularized the quest for Troy's location without pinpointing the Hisarlık mound. Into the early 19th century, the Hisarlık mound drew attention from travelers identifying it with Troy based on Homeric geography. In 1801, British antiquary Edward Daniel Clarke visited the site and proposed it as , noting its position between the and Simoeis rivers atop a hill, aligning with the 's details. Ottoman-era interest in the mound included amateur by locals, who occasionally dug informally and smuggled minor artifacts like pottery shards to European collectors, reflecting growing regional awareness of its classical significance amid lax enforcement of antiquities laws. Scottish geologist and journalist Charles advanced this identification in his 1822 publication A Dissertation on the Topography of the Plain of Troy, where he systematically compared Strabo's descriptions with modern surveys to argue that Hisarlık overlaid Homer's Ilium, critiquing earlier theories by , Chevalier, Clarke, and Rennell. These efforts culminated in preliminary surveys by figures like , paving the way for more structured investigations.

Heinrich Schliemann's Campaigns

, a self-taught and wealthy entrepreneur, initiated systematic excavations at the site of Hisarlik, identified as ancient Troy, following preliminary probes in 1870. His primary campaigns ran from April 1871 to 1873, resuming in 1878–1879 under a new permit after legal disputes with authorities. Building briefly on surveys by British diplomat , who owned part of the site and had conducted small-scale digs since 1865, Schliemann assembled a large workforce of up to 150 local laborers to accelerate progress. Schliemann's methods involved excavating massive trenches—reaching depths of over 15 meters and widths up to 10 meters—and tunneling horizontally into the mound to trace walls and structures, removing an estimated 4 cubic meters of earth per day per worker. He employed blasting techniques to dislodge hard-packed soil and rock, prioritizing speed over stratigraphic precision, which allowed him to uncover multiple layers but at the cost of contextual integrity. The most celebrated occurred on May 31, 1873, when workers unearthed "," a of around 200 , silver, and items including diadems, earrings, bracelets, cups, and weapons, buried in a walled he dubbed the "Palaise of ." Schliemann immediately halted work to document and remove the finds, smuggling them out of the in sealed chests via ship to , evading export duties. In his 1875 publication Troy and Its Remains (German original: Trojanische Alterthümer), Schliemann described the site as the Homeric city of the , asserting that proved the historicity of the and that the burnt layer of Troy II represented its destruction around 1200 BCE. He telegraphed dramatic updates to European newspapers, fueling public fascination and his own celebrity as the "discoverer of Troy." Subsequent analysis, however, dated the treasure to the Early Troy II phase (circa 2550–2200 BCE), over a millennium earlier than the Late destruction associated with Homeric . Schliemann's campaigns drew immediate criticism for their destructive scale, as the deep trenches obliterated vast sections of the mound, including potential evidence from upper layers, without systematic recording or preservation. Scholars like , whom Schliemann invited to observe in 1873, noted the haphazard approach and urged more scientific methods. Further controversies emerged over the treasure's authenticity and reporting: it appears to be a composite assembled from multiple earlier finds rather than a single cache, and Schliemann fabricated details, such as claiming his wife assisted in the discovery and unearthing the jewels herself—contradicted by his private letters—leading to staged photographs of her wearing the and earrings to dramatize the narrative. These inconsistencies, exposed through archival analysis of Schliemann's notebooks and correspondence, undermined his claims and highlighted ethical lapses in early .

Wilhelm Dörpfeld and Interwar Efforts

Following Heinrich Schliemann's death in 1890, his assistant Wilhelm Dörpfeld, a and known for pioneering stratigraphic methods, led excavations at Hisarlık (Troy) from 1893 to 1894 to refine and systematize the site's chronology. Dörpfeld corrected Schliemann's earlier confusions by meticulously documenting the vertical layering of settlements, identifying nine distinct phases (Troy I through IX) spanning from the Early to Roman times, each built upon the ruins of the previous. This stratification revealed a continuous occupation history of over 3,000 years, with Dörpfeld attributing specific cultural and architectural developments to each layer based on , fortifications, and building techniques. Dörpfeld linked the grand fortifications and palace structures of Troy VI (c. 1700–1300 BCE) to the Homeric era, viewing it as the prosperous city described in the due to its Mycenaean-influenced architecture, advanced masonry, and strategic location overlooking the . However, evidence of damage rather than assault in Troy VI's final phase led him to propose Troy VII (c. 1300–1180 BCE) as the more likely site of conflict, citing signs of hasty rebuilding, weapon fragments, burnt debris, and skeletal remains suggesting a or sack—potentially aligning with the legendary . This insight shifted scholarly focus from Troy VI's splendor to Troy VII's turbulent end, emphasizing human violence over natural disaster as the cause of destruction. Dörpfeld's influence extended to early 20th-century efforts, including American-led soundings and surveys at Troy from to 1912, which built on his layer system to probe lower strata without large-scale digging. These preliminary works, often advisory in nature with Dörpfeld's stratigraphic guidance, aimed to verify earlier findings amid growing international interest but were limited by funding and permissions under rule. Excavations halted abruptly with the onset of in 1914, as the site lay in a war-torn region of the , disrupting access and scholarly collaboration. Post-war political upheaval, including the (1919–1923) and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, imposed strict regulations on foreign archaeological activities, prioritizing national control and limiting permits to prevent artifact export—delaying comprehensive resumption for over a decade.

Carl Blegen's Excavations

Carl Blegen, an American archaeologist from the , directed excavations at the site of Troy from 1932 to 1938, conducting seven seasons of fieldwork that employed systematic trenching to explore the mound's . These efforts built briefly on the layer numbering system established by Wilhelm Dörpfeld, allowing Blegen's team to refine the site's chronological sequence through careful documentation of architectural remains, artifacts, and depositional layers. The methodical approach, involving teams of local workers and international scholars, uncovered extensive evidence of continuous occupation, confirming the presence of nine major settlement layers spanning from the Early to the Roman period. A primary achievement was the detailed stratigraphic analysis that solidified the division into Troy I through IX, with particular emphasis on the Late phases. Blegen's team dated Troy VII to approximately 1200 BCE, aligning it with the traditional timeline for the based on associated pottery and destruction evidence. This confirmation of nine layers provided a robust framework for understanding Troy's development, revealing shifts from fortified early settlements to more expansive later ones. Among the key discoveries were structures in Troy VIIa, including what Blegen identified as a significant building complex often referred to in relation to Schliemann's earlier "House of ," though contextualized within VIIa's crowded, fortified layout indicative of defensive pressures. The excavations yielded extensive pottery sequences, including Mycenaean imports and local Anatolian wares, which served as critical chronological markers for dating the layers and tracing cultural interactions across the Aegean and . Blegen emphasized the contrast between the prosperous and relatively peaceful character of Troy VI, marked by finely built houses and evidence of an earthquake-induced collapse around 1300 BCE, and the war-torn conditions of Troy VIIa, evidenced by hastily repaired walls, deposits, and widespread layers suggesting . These interpretations positioned Troy VIIa as the likely historical basis for the Homeric city of , destroyed by warfare circa 1180 BCE. The findings were comprehensively published in the multi-volume series Troy: Excavations Conducted by the , 1932-1938, edited by Blegen with contributions from John L. Caskey and Marion Rawson, appearing between 1950 and 1958 and establishing a foundational reference for subsequent studies.

Manfred Korfmann and Late 20th Century

In 1988, Manfred Korfmann, a professor of at the , initiated a comprehensive excavation project at the site of ancient Troy (modern Hisarlık, ), continuing until 2005 under the leadership of University. This German-Turkish collaboration involved an annual international team of 200 to 300 archaeologists, scientists, and specialists, marking a revival of systematic research after a 50-year hiatus following earlier campaigns. Korfmann's efforts shifted focus from the previously explored citadel atop the hill to the surrounding lower city, employing meticulous stratigraphic analysis and limited targeted digs to map previously overlooked areas. The project emphasized interdisciplinary methods, integrating with natural sciences such as and to provide a holistic understanding of the site's development. A major breakthrough came from excavations in the south of the fortress, which revealed extensive suburbs inhabited by artisans, merchants, and sailors, expanding the known footprint to approximately 75 hectares—roughly ten times larger than prior estimates based on alone. These discoveries included dense residential zones with evidence of workshops and activities, underscoring Troy's evolution from a fortified settlement to a bustling commercial hub during the . Starting in 1992, Korfmann's team conducted pioneering geophysical surveys, including magnetometry, which detected subsurface features such as a potential harbor , monumental , and defensive ditches hewn into bedrock from the Troy VI period (ca. 1700–1250 BCE). These non-invasive techniques allowed for precise mapping without widespread disturbance, confirming the presence of a planned and supporting . The findings elevated Troy's status in Late Bronze Age , portraying it as a that controlled key maritime routes through the strait and influenced wider Aegean networks. Korfmann's interpretations, drawn from these excavations and surveys, highlighted Troy's strategic and economic importance, challenging earlier views of it as a minor outpost. Seminal publications from the project, such as the exhibition catalog Troy: From Special Settlement to (originally Troia: Vom Sonderareal zur Regionalmacht), synthesized this evidence, presenting Troy as a dynamic center of and . Korfmann's advocacy also contributed to the site's recognition, with the Archaeological Site of Troy nominated and inscribed as a in 1998. He died on August 11, 2005, near , at age 63, after directing the project for nearly two decades and leaving an enduring impact on Trojan studies through his emphasis on technological innovation and collaborative scholarship.

Recent Excavations and Findings

Excavations at Troy have continued into the through ongoing Turkish-German collaborations, primarily involving teams from the and in , building on earlier work to expand the lower city and refine stratigraphic understandings. These efforts from the to 2022 emphasized geophysical surveys, conservation, and interdisciplinary analysis to map unexcavated areas and protect the site's integrity against natural degradation. In 2023, a reanalysis of animal bones from Carl Blegen's 1930s excavations, funded by the Archaeological Institute of America, utilized to reassess Troy's Early chronology, particularly layers Troy III–V and confirming a gap between Troy III and IV around 2200–1900 BCE. This study, comparing old samples with recent data, suggested potential refinements to the site's timeline, including possible gaps or new sub-phases in the sequence, as detailed in Documenta Praehistorica. The 2025 excavation season resumed intensive digs targeting Late Bronze Age destruction layers linked to potential military conflict, uncovering clusters of polished clay and river stone sling stones dated to approximately 3,500 years ago in front of a palace structure near the agora. Additional finds included bronze weapons and tools scattered in the palace-agora area, alongside charred organic remains and disturbed strata indicating sudden violence and fire around 1200 BCE. These discoveries, concentrated between the palace, agora, and defensive walls, provide physical evidence of warfare that aligns with the Trojan War period. In October 2025, excavations uncovered a 4,500-year-old brooch, stone, and pin in Early layers, suggesting extensive links with distant regions as early as 2500 BCE. Archaeologists continue to seek definitive proof of the through these layers, with the 2025 efforts yielding artifacts that suggest intense military activity rather than gradual decline. Complementing the fieldwork, the Troy Archaeological Museum hosted its first major exhibition in May 2025, featuring installations inspired by the site's mythic and historical layers to engage modern audiences with ongoing research.

Historical Troy

Bronze Age Troy in Records

In Hittite archives from the Late , the of is widely identified with Troy, appearing in and treaties as a western Anatolian polity of strategic importance. The , composed by King Hattusili III around 1250 BCE, describes a in led by the renegade Piyamaradu, who sought refuge with the Ahhiyawa (likely Mycenaean Greeks) in Millawanda (), prompting Hittite diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict without direct hostilities. Similarly, the earlier Manapa-Tarhunta Letter, from the reign of (ca. 1295–1272 BCE), recounts a Hittite to suppress unrest in , where Piyamaradu again incited and sacked the nearby island of Lazpa (possibly ), highlighting Wilusa's vulnerability to regional instability. These texts portray Wilusa as a loyal but occasionally rebellious under Hittite oversight, with at least four documented conflicts in the area between the 15th and 12th centuries BCE involving local powers and external actors. The Ahhiyawa emerge in these Hittite records as a maritime power interfering in western Anatolia, often supporting anti-Hittite elements in , which scholars interpret as evidence of Mycenaean raids or proxy conflicts rather than a singular "." For instance, the references Ahhiyawan involvement in the Wilusa dispute, while other texts, such as the Alaksandu Treaty (CTH 105) from Muwatalli II's era, install a pro-Hittite ruler in Wilusa to counter Ahhiyawan influence, suggesting ongoing tensions over control of the region. No Hittite document explicitly mentions a large-scale Greek assault on Troy akin to Homeric accounts; instead, the conflicts appear as localized rebellions and diplomatic maneuvers, with Ahhiyawa acting from bases like Millawanda. The architecture of layers VI and VII at Troy, featuring robust fortifications, aligns with this portrayal of a defensible outpost amid such geopolitical pressures. Wilusa's economic significance stemmed from its position controlling the strait, a vital chokepoint for maritime trade, including the transport of tin essential for Hittite bronze production from Balkan and sources to . Hittite treaties, such as the Alaksandu Treaty, exempted Wilusa from tribute in recognition of its role in securing these routes, while texts like the imply alliances formed to stabilize trade amid disruptions from Ahhiyawan activities around 1290 BCE. Around 1200 BCE, Wilusa experienced destruction, coinciding with the broader collapse of Hittite authority and Mycenaean palace economies, as evidenced by fire layers and imported LH IIIC suggesting possible external attack. Scholars debate whether the destruction of Troy VIIa, radiocarbon-dated to ca. 1230–1180 BCE, corresponds to the Homeric Trojan War timeline, with some, following Blegen's excavations, linking it to Mycenaean aggression based on stratigraphic evidence of and Greek-style artifacts. chronologies vary—Herodotus places the war ca. 1250 BCE, Eratosthenes ca. 1184 BCE—aligning roughly with this period, yet others argue the event reflects composite memories of multiple raids rather than a single , given the absence of direct Hittite corroboration for a grand conflict. The scale of Troy VIIa, smaller than depicted in , further fuels skepticism about a precise match. Recent excavations in 2024 and 2025 have uncovered additional evidence in the Troy VIIa destruction layer, including burned ruins, broken weapons, and hastily buried human remains, further supporting the occurrence of violent conflict during this period.

Classical and Hellenistic Periods

Following the decline of the Bronze Age settlements, the site of ancient Troy was reoccupied during the 8th century BCE by Aeolian colonists, establishing Troy VIII as a modest urban center with a population estimated at around 8,000 inhabitants by the BCE. This colony featured key civic structures such as a for assemblies, a for coinage, and a theater, while ancient burial mounds associated with Homeric figures were restored to evoke the site's legendary past. At its heart stood a dedicated to , which served as a major pilgrimage site attracting devotees from across the world, including notable visitors like the Persian king in 480 BCE and the Spartan admiral Mindarus in 411 BCE. The sanctuary's prominence peaked during Alexander the Great's campaign in 334 BCE, when he visited Ilion (the Greek name for Troy), sacrificed at the altar of , and paid homage to Achilles by anointing his tomb and running around it as a gesture. elevated the settlement to full status, declaring it autonomous, tax-exempt, and inviolable, while expressing intent to rebuild the temple—a project realized by his successors. This act not only boosted the site's prestige but also integrated it into the emerging Hellenistic network of culturally significant Greek cities. In the early 3rd century BCE, under , one of Alexander's , Troy underwent significant around 300 BCE, including the construction of robust defensive walls enclosing a larger area and the implementation of planned street grids to accommodate growing civic needs. A grand new to Ilias was erected, featuring white marble architecture that symbolized the city's Hellenistic revival and its ties to pan-Hellenic religious traditions. Lysimachus' efforts expanded the urban footprint, incorporating elements from the citadel while fostering economic growth through trade and pilgrimage. Troy's strategic location in the region facilitated its alignment with successive Hellenistic powers, first under the —where it received patronage from kings like Antiochus I and Antiochus III, who confirmed its privileges in 192 BCE—and later within the Pergamene kingdom until its dissolution in 133 BCE. This period saw cultural efflorescence, marked by annual festivals and athletic contests honoring Homeric heroes such as Achilles and , which drew elite visitors from and other Hellenistic courts, blending religious ritual with literary commemoration. By the late 3rd century BCE, following victories over Seleucid forces at and in 191–190 BCE, Troy increasingly oriented toward alliances, setting the stage for deeper integration into the expanding republic.

Roman and Byzantine Eras

The city of Ilion, known in antiquity as the site of Homeric Troy, experienced a dramatic refounding in 85 BCE following its sack by the general Gaius Flavius Fimbria during the . Lucius Cornelius Sulla, after defeating Fimbria, oversaw the partial restoration of the settlement, granting it favored status as a allied to and exempt from certain taxes due to its legendary associations. This revival marked the beginning of Troy IX, the phase, during which Ilion was integrated into the provincial administration of , benefiting from imperial patronage that emphasized its mythological prestige. Under , who visited in 20 BCE and claimed descent from , Ilion received significant endowments, including repairs to its fortifications and the construction of an atop the earlier Hellenistic , a council chamber that symbolized civic life. The city minted coins depicting scenes to promote tourism among elites drawn to the Homeric legacy. Hadrian's visit in 124 CE further elevated its prosperity; he funded extensive public works, such as baths, a , and an aqueduct whose remnants survive near Kemerdere, alongside renovations to the . Key structures included the bouleuterion-odeon complex for assemblies and performances, a triple-arched gate integrating earlier fortifications, and a commemorating triumphs, all underscoring Ilion's role as a cultural hub on trade routes linking the Aegean to the via the . In the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the early Byzantine era, Ilion flourished as a Christian center following the Great's visit around 324 CE, when he considered relocating the imperial capital there before selecting . 's endowments supported the construction of multiple basilicas, reflecting the city's transition to and its establishment as a bishopric. However, prosperity waned after 395 CE with the Roman Empire's division and invasions by groups like the , leading to population decline and abandonment of public buildings by the 6th century, exacerbated by earthquakes around 500 CE. Despite this, Ilion maintained economic vitality through trade in local stone, wine, and goods transported along ancient routes documented in the , while its Homeric allure continued to attract pilgrims and tourists.

Medieval Christian Site

During the late Byzantine period, from the 5th to the , the site of ancient Troy, known as Ilion, served as a Christian bishopric under the metropolitan see of , as documented in the Notitiae Episcopatuum, official lists of ecclesiastical provinces compiled by the . Archaeological evidence reveals the construction of churches on the Hisarlık mound, including a likely dedicated to St. John, built atop earlier foundations and representing the episcopal seat, which underscores the site's enduring religious significance amid a shrinking settlement. In the , during the era of the , European pilgrims and travelers visited the ruins of Troy in the region, drawn by its biblical and classical associations, viewing the mound as a sacred landscape linked to ancient heroes reinterpreted through a Christian lens. Following the conquest of in , the area around Hisarlık fell fully under Ottoman control, leading to the abandonment of the site as a Christian ; it reverted to an uninhabited mound, with its structures falling into disrepair and the bishopric ceasing to function. Medieval Christian traditions often blended elements of Trojan heroism with hagiographic narratives, portraying figures like as virtuous pagans akin to Christian knights or saints, who exemplified chivalric piety and moral fortitude in of the , such as in adaptations of the that infused pagan warriors with proto-Christian virtues. This reflected broader efforts to reconcile with , elevating survivors as ancestral models for European nobility while aligning their trials with saintly martyrdoms. Even after its abandonment, the site's identity persisted in European cartography; 15th-century maps, influenced by Ptolemaic geography and , continued to mark "Troy" or "Ilion" at the Hisarlık location near the , preserving its legendary status as a historical and .

Troy in Myth and Literature

Homeric Tradition

In the Iliad, attributed to the poet , Troy is portrayed as a prosperous, fortified city in the northwest corner of , renowned for its massive walls built by and Apollo, and ruled by the aged King . The epic centers on the tenth year of a prolonged siege by the Achaean (Greek) forces, led by , who seek to retrieve , wife of , abducted by Priam's son . Key events unfold amid this stalemate, including the wrath of Achilles, the greatest Achaean warrior, who withdraws from battle after a dispute with Agamemnon, leading to devastating Trojan advances under , Priam's eldest son and Troy's chief defender. The poem vividly describes the city's grandeur, with its high towers, gates like the Scaean, and surrounding plain where battles rage, emphasizing Troy's role as a hub of wealth from trade and its vulnerability despite its defenses. The Iliad culminates in Hector's death at Achilles' hands and Priam's ransom of his son's body, but the city's ultimate fall is not depicted; instead, the epic foreshadows Troy's sacking through prophecies and laments, portraying it as a tragic center of heroism and divine favor. Gods actively intervene throughout, with and supporting the , while Apollo and aid the Trojans, their quarrels mirroring mortal conflicts and heightening the war's cosmic stakes. herself appears as a figure of and regret, and observing the war from the walls, her presence symbolizing the conflict's cause, while is depicted as a skilled archer but flawed whose sparked the invasion. The Odyssey briefly references the siege's end via the bard Demodocus, who recounts the stratagem in song—a concealing Achaean warriors, which the Trojans bring inside their walls, leading to the city's betrayal and fiery destruction—drawing from the broader cyclic epics like the . Composed around the BCE, the Homeric epics emerged from a long of sung performances by bards, using and to aid and . This tradition likely crystallized stories passed down through generations of poets, potentially preserving faint echoes of conflicts, such as the destruction of a site like Troy VIIa around 1180 BCE. Central characters like embody Trojan valor, dying nobly to protect his home, while the sacking of Troy represents the war's brutal climax, with survivors scattered and the city reduced to ruins in the epic's mythic framework.

Post-Classical Interpretations

In Roman literature, Virgil's Aeneid (19 BCE) reinterpreted the Homeric Trojan myth by portraying Aeneas, a pious Trojan survivor of the city's fall, as the legendary founder of Rome through his journey to Italy and establishment of a new lineage. This epic emphasized Aeneas's pietas—devotion to gods, family, and duty—as a model for Roman virtues, transforming the defeated Trojans into progenitors of imperial destiny rather than mere victims of Greek conquest. During the medieval period, the Trojan legend evolved into chivalric romances that blended classical sources with Christian and feudal themes. Benoit de Sainte-Maure's Roman de Troie (c. 1160), a 12th-century verse romance, expanded the story into a lengthy of , , and , introducing romantic subplots like the affair between and Briseida (later Criseyde) that humanized the ancient heroes. This work profoundly influenced later authors, notably Geoffrey Chaucer's (c. 1380s), which adapted Benoit's elements into a poignant exploration of and tragic fate amid the . The revived Trojan myths as allegories for political and moral lessons, often linking them to contemporary European identities. William Caxton's Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye (1473), translated from and printed in Bruges, marked the first book printed in English; it compiled multiple "falls" of Troy to allegorize cycles of tyranny, , and renewal, drawing parallels to medieval views of as moral warning. This edition, dedicated to , disseminated the legend widely, framing Troy as a for rulers. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fall of Troy inspired operas and paintings that romanticized its drama, emphasizing emotional turmoil and heroic pathos. Henry Purcell's (1689), the first English opera, dramatized Aeneas's abandonment of the Carthaginian queen after fleeing Troy, portraying the Trojan exile's internal conflict with lush lamentations that heightened the myth's tragic romance. Similarly, 17th-century Venetian operas like those by Francesco Cavalli often featured sympathetically, recasting her as a noble figure amid the war's chaos to explore themes of desire and redemption. Paintings, such as those depicting Helen's abduction or the city's sack, adopted dramatic lighting and expressive figures to evoke sublime destruction, aligning with and sensibilities.

Modern Depictions

In the 20th century, literary works continued to draw on the Trojan War as a metaphor for conflict and loss, with Michael Ondaatje's 1992 novel The English Patient incorporating references to ancient narratives like those in Herodotus, where the patient's bedside readings evoke the abduction of Helen and the ensuing war's devastation. Another example is Glyn Iliffe's 2008 historical fiction The Gates of Troy, the second installment in his Adventures of Odysseus series, which reimagines the prelude to the siege through the perspectives of Odysseus and his companion Eperitus, blending political intrigue and divine intervention to humanize the epic's origins. The 2004 film Troy, directed by and starring as Achilles, marked a significant cinematic by prioritizing historical over mythological elements, omitting gods and focusing on human motivations like honor and revenge to depict the war's brutality and the fall of the city. This approach drew from Homer's while consulting archaeological insights to portray warfare, influencing subsequent media by emphasizing epic scale through large-scale battles and character-driven drama. A 2018 BBC/Netflix miniseries, Troy: Fall of a City, provided another major televisual retelling of the Trojan War, co-produced by the BBC and Netflix, focusing on the romance between Paris and Helen as the catalyst for the conflict, while including divine interventions from gods like Zeus and Athena. Starring Bella Dayne as Helen and Louis Hunter as Paris, the eight-episode series blends mythological elements with dramatic storytelling, though it faced controversy over its diverse casting, including black actors for roles like Achilles and Zeus, sparking discussions on representation in classical adaptations. In and comics, the has been reimagined as interactive narratives of strategy and heroism; for instance, A Total War Saga: TROY (2020), developed by , allows players to command factions in a historically inspired campaign covering the war's mythological prelude and climax, incorporating real tactics alongside legendary figures like and . Similarly, Eric Shanower's ongoing comic series (1998–present), published by , provides a meticulously researched graphic retelling of the entire cycle, using and artifacts to ground the myths in a plausible ancient Anatolian context without supernatural interventions. Popular science books have bridged scholarly debates with public fascination, such as Michael Wood's 1985 In Search of the Trojan War, which explores the interplay between Homer's epic and archaeological evidence through accessible storytelling, sparking widespread interest in Troy's legacy as a symbol of enduring human conflict. These works often highlight interpretive controversies, like the war's historicity versus its poetic invention, to engage modern audiences in reevaluating the myths' cultural resonance. In contemporary Turkey, the site of ancient Troy—known locally as Truva—has fostered national pride, with the serving as a that links modern Turkish identity to Anatolian heritage, evident in cultural promotions and translations of the during the mid-20th century that emphasized Trojan resilience amid foreign invasions. This connection, amplified since Heinrich Schliemann's 19th-century excavations confirmed Troy's existence, has positioned Truva as a emblem of endurance in .

Modern Significance

Preservation and UNESCO Status

The Archaeological Site of Troy was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998 under criteria (ii), (iii), and (vi). Criterion (ii) recognizes its outstanding contribution to understanding the cultural exchanges that shaped early European civilization, linking , the Aegean world, and the . Criterion (iii) attests to its unique testimony of continuous over more than 4,000 years, with layers such as Troy and exemplifying advanced ancient urban centers. Criterion (vi) underscores its profound influence on global literature and arts, particularly through associations with Homer's Iliad and the enduring legend of the . Management of the site falls under Turkey's General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, in collaboration with the Museum and local authorities like the Governorship. It is safeguarded by Law No. 2863 on the of Cultural and Natural Assets, with 75% of the area under state ownership, and was designated a National Historical Park by Cabinet Decree No. 8676 in 1996. The site's UNESCO nomination benefited from extensive geophysical and archaeological surveys led by Korfmann during his directorship of excavations from 1988 to 2005. However, the lack of a defined remains a significant challenge, exposing peripheral areas to risks from intensive agriculture, urban expansion, and inadequate land acquisition. Key threats to the site's integrity include natural driven by —such as increased storms, droughts, and temperature fluctuations—and physical wear from high tourist footfall, which accelerates soil degradation and structural instability. Temporary closures during the from 2020 to 2022 provided a respite for natural recovery but also strained conservation funding and staffing. Solid waste management and limited resources further complicate protection efforts. Conservation initiatives have addressed these issues through targeted restorations, including reinforcements to the ancient defensive walls damaged by 19th-century excavations, with ongoing repairs to Schliemann's destructive cuts completed in phases up to 2021. Post-2005 efforts emphasized improvements, such as developing interpretive pathways and culminating in the 2018 opening of the as a dedicated to manage access, reduce on-site impacts, and enhance educational outreach. A 2010 preservation plan guides these activities, prioritizing sustainable and monitoring.

Tourism and Cultural Impact

Troy attracted approximately 500,000 visitors annually in the pre-pandemic period, with numbers reaching a record 531,650 in 2018. As of 2024, the archaeological site and Troy Museum together attracted over 600,000 visitors, surpassing previous records. Visitors are drawn primarily to the site's iconic wooden replica of the Trojan Horse from Homer's Iliad and its panoramic views over the Dardanelles Strait. In 2024, the opening of a new cruise terminal at Çanakkale port further enhanced accessibility for international visitors via maritime routes. The site's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 has enhanced its accessibility and global appeal, facilitating increased international tourism. Educational initiatives at Troy include guided tours, interactive exhibitions at the —opened in 2018 to house over 2,000 artifacts—and specialized museum kits designed for school groups to explore Anatolian history and . conferences, such as the 2019 "Troy-Tenea-Rome" event, foster scholarly collaboration on the site's mythological and , promoting academic exchange among global researchers. Cultural festivals in , such as the annual International Troia Dance Festival, celebrate Troy's legacy through performances of and , attracting participants from multiple countries and highlighting its enduring artistic inspiration. These events, along with Troy's influence on literary traditions, underscore its role in regional cultural awards and storytelling contests that draw on Homeric narratives. Beyond , Troy symbolizes the historic crossroads between East and West, positioned at the Strait—a vital and route that continues to shape geopolitical discussions on European-Asian connectivity and Turkish . This emblematic status reinforces Troy's contributions to global dialogues on intercultural and historical reconciliation.

References

  1. [1]
    Archaeological Site of Troy - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
    The Archaeological Site of Troy has 4,000 years of history. Its extensive remains are the most significant and substantial evidence of the first contact between ...Gallery · Maps · Documents · Indicators
  2. [2]
    The search for the lost city of Troy | British Museum
    Jun 18, 2019 · Although the evidence can't prove that the Trojan War really happened, experts now agree that the settlement Schliemann excavated was the famous city.
  3. [3]
    Lesson 7: Narrative – Aegean Prehistoric Archaeology
    Blegen's excavations resulted in the identification of ten architectural phases (a-j) divided into Early (a-c), Middle (d-f), and Late (g-j). To these, Korfmann ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    1320: Section 4: Schliemann and Troy
    A wealthy German merchant named Heinrich Schliemann who went searching for the Troy of Homeric legend and found a new world of recovered history.
  5. [5]
    Ancient Troy - NASA Earth Observatory
    In 1870, however, the German archeologist Heinrich Schlieman discovered the ruins of Troy (and several cities above and beneath it) in northwest Turkey.
  6. [6]
    UC building digital gallery of ancient Troy - University of Cincinnati
    Feb 4, 2020 · The ancient cities of Troy were first unearthed in the 1860s and studied again in expeditions over the next 20 years before UC's Blegen arrived ...
  7. [7]
    New Tools to Explore Troy - NASA Earth Observatory
    Oct 14, 2001 · Different layers—each corresponding to a different city—revealed evidence of a sequence (progression) of human habitation stretching back ...
  8. [8]
    RHAPSODIC RECEPTIONS OF HOMER IN MULTIFORM PROEMS ...
    the proem of Homer's Iliad plays a critical role in shaping expectations ... Dardania").59. "Ilium" is another name for the city of Troy, while "Dardania ...
  9. [9]
    Epiphanies and Signs of Power: Minoan Suggestions and ... - jstor
    Ilus, the mythical founder of Ilion/Troy, was founding his city, he "prayed to Zeus that some sign should appear to him; when day had come, he saw the ...
  10. [10]
    The Wanderings of Dardanus and the Dardani - jstor
    known to Homer as Thracian Samos was Dardania. He also tells us in another place (ib. I9, 6) that Dardanus received from Zeus an image of Dionysus in a ...
  11. [11]
    Ghosts of Exile: Doubles and Nostalgia in Vergil's "Parva Troia ... - jstor
    in Vergil's parva Troia (Aeneid 3.294ff.) AENEAS, AT CARTHAGE, is reciting his story: we have reached the moment when the Trojan exiles disembark at Epirus ...
  12. [12]
    Troy and the Historical Imagination - jstor
    one of the legends of Troy. The earliest literary reference in which Troy is identified as the site of the Trojan War comes from Herodotus, who notes that in ...
  13. [13]
    Wilusa - Madain Project (en)
    Wilusa (Wiluša) was a Late Bronze Age polity in northwestern Anatolia, documented in Hittite cuneiform sources from the circa 15th to 13th centuries BCE.<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Hittite Literary Evidence - The Cambridge Guide to Homer
    It is suggested that Wilusa was the Hittite name for Troy; that their term Ahhiyawa was a reference to the Mycenaeans and, most likely, to mainland Greece; and ...
  15. [15]
    The Hittite texts: Assuwa, Ahhiyawa, and Alaksandu of Wilusa
    Hittite texts record wars near Troy, with 'Wilusa' likely referring to Troy and 'Ahhiyawa' to Mycenaeans. There are records of conflicts from 15th to 13th ...
  16. [16]
    Troy VI-VII - Livius.org
    Oct 9, 2020 · Among the vassals were Truwisa and Wilusija, a Luwian word that means "the land of Wilusa". This is a clue that the Trojans spoke Luwian ...
  17. [17]
    Empires/Kingdoms of the World: Troy
    Aug 6, 2019 · Early Hittites called the city Wilusa or Truwisa; the land of Troy was called Ahhiyawa. King Hattusili III of Hattusa signed a peace treaty with ...
  18. [18]
    A Hittite Treaty with Wilusa [13th c. BCE]
    Issue S013 of 14 September 2001. A Hittite Treaty with Wilusa [13th c. BCE]. Treaty between Muwattalli II of Hatti and Alaksandu of Wilusa [Extracts].
  19. [19]
    Hittite Treaty
    A Hittite Treaty with Wilusa (13th cent BC). Treaty between Muwattalli II of Hatti and Alaksandu of Wilusa (Extracts). Full text published in Gary Beckman ...
  20. [20]
    [PDF] troy, taruiša, and the etruscans
    The best argument is derived from the position in the Chronicle of Tudhaliyas, of Taruiša and right next to it, of the Land of Wilusiya. The latter is almost ...Missing: Troad | Show results with:Troad
  21. [21]
    Greco-Anatolian contacts in Late Bronze Age texts,...
    Apr 3, 2020 · Several city-states there, including Wiluša and Taruiša, had joined into an anti-Hittite coalition known as the Aššuwa coalition - Aššuwa being ...
  22. [22]
    In Search of Troy - Smithsonian Magazine
    Mar 4, 2022 · Troy, located at Hisarlik in Turkey, is the site of the legendary city from Homer's Iliad, with a war around 1180 B.C. and a 40-foot Trojan ...<|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Troy: Immortal City | Turkish Airlines Blog
    Oct 23, 2025 · Near Çanakkale, a modest mound was seen as just an ordinary piece of land until the 19th century. However, beneath this hill lay the stage ...
  24. [24]
    Domestic architecture in the Early Bronze Age of Western Anatolia
    Troy I, square D5. Stone foundation of Wall f showing two phases of construction, in the north cross- section the collapsed mud-brick superstructure of the ...
  25. [25]
    Troy in the Bronze Age (One) - The Archaeology of Greek and ...
    Seven of Troy's nine settlements date to the Bronze Age and span a period of two millennia, from ca. 3000 BC to 1000 BC.
  26. [26]
    (PDF) The Early Bronze Age Chronology of Troy (Periods I–III)
    The study establishes a chronology for Early Bronze Age Troy I-III with ±30 years precision (68% confidence). A significant gap of 100-200 years exists between ...
  27. [27]
    (PDF) Early Bronze Age Trojan Metal Sources and Anatolians in the ...
    Aug 6, 2025 · New chemical analyses of EB II copper-alloy artefacts from Troy show that about seventy per cent are of high tin, low arsenic, bronze.
  28. [28]
    Trading implements in early Troy | Anatolian Studies | Cambridge Core
    Feb 22, 2012 · New research has revealed the existence of multiple weighing systems in Bronze Age Troy, a situation that was typical for mercantile centres ...
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
    (PDF) Seals and Sealings at Troy. In: Stephan W. E. BLum/Turan Efe ...
    The Trojan seals and sealings indicate the relative importance of contact to Cilicia and Crete during the Early and Middle Bronze Ages. The former could be ...Missing: fibulae | Show results with:fibulae
  31. [31]
    Early Bronze Age Troy: Chronology, Cultural Development and ...
    Oct 4, 2017 · Peter Pavuk focuses on the so-called pinnacle in square E4/5, one of the few areas where Troy III–V levels were available. ... Middle Bronze Age ...
  32. [32]
    Well-walled Wilusa. Troy during the Late Bronze Age - Academia.edu
    A popularising paper on the Late Bronze Age city of Troy. Part of a special issue on Late Bronze Age western Anatolia.
  33. [33]
    Uncovering Troy - Interactive Map of the Ancient City of Troy
    The massive fortification walls of Troy VI were larger than any previously built. ... This was the largest of Troy VI's towers, measuring 59 feet by 26 feet.
  34. [34]
    [PDF] mycenaeans in western anatolia
    However, some of the pottery at Troy probably came from the Greek mainland. Chemical analysis suggests that the imported pottery mainly came from Boeotia, where ...
  35. [35]
    (PDF) Minyan or not. The second millennium Grey Ware in western ...
    The Anatolian Grey Ware is largely unrelated to the Grey Minyan on Greek mainland, the term Minyan remained in use for the West Anatolian finds until recently.
  36. [36]
    Lesson 27: Narrative – Aegean Prehistoric Archaeology
    The violent destruction of Troy VIIa has been interpreted as evidence of the failure of Troy's inhabitants to withstand the siege against which they had ...
  37. [37]
    [PDF] PRIAM'S TROY AND THE DATE OF ITS FALL
    That settlement was violently destroyed by a fierce fire, and in its " fire-scarred " ruins were found. " scattered remnants of bones " indicating that " its ...
  38. [38]
    Was There a Trojan War? - Archaeology Magazine Archive
    There is evidence of a conflagration, some skeletons, and heaps of sling bullets. People who have successfully defended their city would have gathered their ...
  39. [39]
    [PDF] Assessing the Evidence for the Trojan Wars
    ... Hittite language believe that Wilusa was the Hittite name for Ilion, which was another geographical designation for Troy and its surroundings. Other late ...
  40. [40]
    Troy VIII-IX (ca. 700 B.C.- A.D. 500) | Interactive Map Troy
    Much of the new evidence comes from an area known as the Western Sanctuary, which is located just to the west of the citadel walls. This area was the center of ...Missing: archaeological | Show results with:archaeological
  41. [41]
    Troy VIII-IX - Livius.org
    Apr 21, 2020 · The emperor Hadrian visited the city in 124. He appears to have ordered new repairs and may have redecorated the odeon, where his statue has ...Missing: refounding | Show results with:refounding
  42. [42]
    The Temple of Athena at Troy
    The Hellenistic Temple of Athena: Following the death of Alexander in 323 B.C.E., his general, Lysimachus, his successor in Thrace, had a new Temple of ...
  43. [43]
    The Greek Age of Bronze - troy
    Troy II (about 2600 - 2400 BC): Second village, where town plannig can be seen. Construction material: stones, sun - dried clay bricks. The most interesting ...Missing: scholarly | Show results with:scholarly
  44. [44]
    (PDF) Homer in the Renaissance: The Troy Stories - Academia.edu
    Web edition 2004 I. The medieval heritage During the Middle Ages, Homer is lost for the Western World. Instead of Homeric epic, we have Troy Stories.
  45. [45]
    Robert Wood and the Eighteenth-Century 'Search' for Troy - Antigone
    Jun 26, 2021 · This article considers his influential predecessor Robert Wood, who looked for the site of Troy, and explores some of the reasons that ...Missing: 1760s | Show results with:1760s
  46. [46]
  47. [47]
    A Dissertation on the Topography of the Plain of Troy - Google Books
    ... Troy: Including an Examination of the Opinions of Demetrius, Chevalier, Dr. Clarke, and Major Rennell. Author, Charles Maclaren. Publisher, A. Constable, 1822.
  48. [48]
    [PDF] “Homer, Troy, Schliemann”- for more than one
    The efforts of the first excavation cycle were crowned by the discovery of “Priam's Treasure” in. 1873. Schliemann believed he had achieved the goal of his work ...
  49. [49]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|separator|>
  50. [50]
    [PDF] HOW SCHLIEMANN SMUGGLED "PRIAM'S TREASURE" FROM ...
    Since scholars are agreed that the chests and bag mentioned in the letter of 31 May almost certainly contained the objects Schliemann identified as "Priam's ...
  51. [51]
    'Priam's Treasure': clearly a composite | Anatolian Studies
    The find remains the largest and certainly the most controversial ever to have been made at Troy. In 1984 l argued that it was not a single find, as Schliemann ...Missing: forged photos
  52. [52]
    Digging Up Troy - | Lapham's Quarterly
    Mar 31, 2017 · But Blegen found enough to convince himself that Troy VIIa had been destroyed by humans, in a protracted siege. And his evidence is fairly ...
  53. [53]
    How archaeologists found the lost city of Troy | National Geographic
    Nov 14, 2018 · 8th century B.C. Homer composes The Iliad and The Odyssey. In 1870 they inspire Heinrich Schliemann to hunt for the real Troy.Missing: revival | Show results with:revival
  54. [54]
    Troy: excavation - Livius.org
    Apr 23, 2020 · Unfortunately, it was later established that this city had been destroyed by an earthquake. ... Troy I and that Troy I and II together contained ...Missing: IIg raid
  55. [55]
    Troy | Turkish Archaeological News
    Mar 23, 2016 · He also adopted a middle name - Osman - officially, as for many years he had been known as Osman Bey. After his death, a library bearing his ...
  56. [56]
    Troy; excavations conducted by the University of Cincinnati, 1932 ...
    Jul 23, 2023 · Troy; excavations conducted by the University of Cincinnati, 1932-1938; ; Associated-names: Blegen, Carl W. (Carl William), 1887-1971; Angel, J.
  57. [57]
    Returning to Hisarlik: Carl Blegen and Manfred Korfmann
    Carl Blegen began excavations in 1932. He believed that the destruction of Troy VI was caused by an earthquake, and that it was Troy VIIa that was destroyed by ...Missing: VII chronology
  58. [58]
    The Fall of Troy | Antiquity | Cambridge Core
    Jan 2, 2015 · Blegen have been able to prove that Troy VI was undoubtedly destroyed by a violent earthquake about 1300 or somewhat later. Information. Type ...
  59. [59]
    Pottery Seriation Dating at Troİa in the Middle and Late Bronze Age ...
    PDF | In this paper a stratigraphically-referenced database capable of precise and accurate dating of pottery assemblages from the Late Bronze Age (LBA).Missing: Priam | Show results with:Priam
  60. [60]
    Manfred Korfmann, 63, Is Dead; Expanded Excavation at Troy
    Aug 19, 2005 · Manfred Korfmann, a German archaeologist whose excavations revived research and debate about ancient Troy, the besieged Bronze Age city that Homer immortalized ...Missing: 1983-2005 | Show results with:1983-2005
  61. [61]
    [PDF] Archaeological Site of Troy - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
    Nov 14, 1996 · The archaeological site of Troy is of immense significance in the understanding of the development of European civilization at a critical stage ...
  62. [62]
    The magnetism of hidden Troy | New Scientist
    Jan 23, 1993 · Troy. Manfred Korfmann, at the University of Tubingen, supervised a team of researchers which examined the feature with a magnet-ometer, a ...Missing: geophysical surveys harbor gates
  63. [63]
    Troy in Clearer Perspective - jstor
    This dating is based on its position on a somewhat lower level and on pottery of Troy VI late/VIIa (Korfmann 1998b: 52). The other walls in IKL 16/17 obviously ...
  64. [64]
    (PDF) Troy in Recent Perspective - ResearchGate
    Aug 6, 2025 · A detailed consideration of the archaeological questions, a review of the notable recent progress in Hittite sources firming up the historical geography of ...
  65. [65]
    Troy: New Data from Old Excavations
    Nov 9, 2023 · with multiple excavations spanning back 150 years—can archaeology still bring new things to light about the site of Troy ...Missing: 1906 1912
  66. [66]
  67. [67]
    Excavations at Türkiye's ancient city of Troy explore artifacts linked ...
    Jul 8, 2025 · Sling stones were critical weapons during the Bronze Age, he explained, and their concentration suggests the area served both defensive and ...Missing: Mycenaean | Show results with:Mycenaean
  68. [68]
    New Troy Excavation Yields Fresh Evidence of Epic War
    Jul 16, 2025 · The sling stones, smoothed to aerodynamic perfection, were among the Bronze Age's most lethal weapons, capable of cracking skulls at range when ...Missing: VII Mycenaean
  69. [69]
    Excavations at Türkiye's ancient Troy aim to uncover artefacts tied to ...
    Jul 8, 2025 · Archaeologists at Troy are uncovering new clues linked to the Trojan War, focusing on late Bronze Age destruction layers tied to the city's ...Missing: 2010s- 2022
  70. [70]
    Unearthing the Epic: New Finds Bolster Links to Legendary Trojan War
    Jul 8, 2025 · One of the most significant finds is a cache of 3,500-year-old sling stones, discovered in dense concentrations just in front of a palace ...Missing: VII Mycenaean
  71. [71]
    Troy, ancient site in western Turkey, hosts expansive contemporary ...
    May 28, 2025 · The archaeological Museum of Troy in western Turkey has opened an expansive contemporary art exhibit, installing some of the work in its main halls for the ...Missing: evidence | Show results with:evidence
  72. [72]
    Troy and the Trojan War: Archaeology, History and the Epic Traditions
    The recent excavations at Troy (modern Hissarlik) by Korfmann's team have reignited the controversy concerning the degree of historicity in the tale of the ...
  73. [73]
    [PDF] THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO ḪATTI, TROY, AND THE BALKANS
    I became lord of all their lands and placed tribute and duties upon them forever. 145 Although Ḫatti's tin sources are hotly debated, the Hittites had trade ...
  74. [74]
    Homer and History - The Cambridge Guide to Homer
    Schliemann, then, is the scholar most responsible for the widespread belief that the Trojan War is a historical event that can be dated to the Late Bronze Age.
  75. [75]
  76. [76]
    Ilion in the Early Hellenistic Period (Eight)
    After his visit to Ilion in 334 B.C., Alexander raised the settlement to the status of polis, declared it free and exempt from taxation, and promised to ...Missing: Pergamene | Show results with:Pergamene
  77. [77]
    Troy | Geography, Archaeology, Map, & Trojan War | Britannica
    The approximate location of Troy was well known from references in works by ancient Greek and Latin authors, including Homer, Herodotus, and Strabo. But the ...
  78. [78]
    None
    ### Summary of Roman and Byzantine Troy (Late Antique Ilion and Troad Region)
  79. [79]
    Byzantine Coins in Çanakkale Museum
    In stock Free deliveryAug 27, 2025 · Hisarlık (Troy: Ilion). Shown as an episcopal center as of the mid-fourth century, Ilion is localized to. Hisarlık. A church representing the ...
  80. [80]
    Historical Troy: Archaeology, Sites, Trojan Wars
    As a ruin today Troy consists of walls marking off an area 200 meters across and a few foundations of buildings. It is far cry from the city that Homer ...<|separator|>
  81. [81]
    From Hector to Christ - The Imaginative Conservative
    Aug 3, 2019 · He is a mighty prince of Troy. A great warrior. A wise man, a loving man, a family man. Christians certainly received Hector with greater love ...
  82. [82]
    Chapter 3. Permanence and Non-Organic Structures: Walls in the Iliad
    (3) Priam expresses fear that Achilles might leap the wall in his destructive fury: 'I am afraid lest this destructive man leap inside the wall' (δείδα γὰρ ...
  83. [83]
    Introduction to the Iliad
    The Iliad is the poem of Troy; it takes place in the Greek camp, below the walls of Troy, and within the city itself. It is the ninth year of a ten-year siege.<|separator|>
  84. [84]
  85. [85]
  86. [86]
    [PDF] Gods of the Trojan War - Old Dominion University
    The core of the Iliad (Books II – XXIII) describes a period of four days and two nights in the tenth year of the decade-long siege of Troy; the Odyssey ...
  87. [87]
  88. [88]
    [PDF] Homer and the Oral Tradition
    In the Homeric poems it is possible to identify: (a) a tradition of epic poetry whose features include: set verbal expressions that fit into specific sections ...
  89. [89]
    3. Homer and the Evolution of a Homeric Text
    We have concentrated on a relatively static phase of Homeric performance traditions extending roughly from the middle of the eighth century BCE all the way to { ...
  90. [90]
    [PDF] Reciprocity and the Chaos/Order Opposition in Virgil's Aeneid
    Virgil stressed Aeneas' piety over his other characteristics, as mentioned above, and prayers play a central role throughout the work. A prayer, also known as ...
  91. [91]
    Project MUSE - <i>The Roman de Troie by Benoît de Sainte-Maure ...
    Dec 28, 2020 · The Roman de Thèbes and Roman de Troie first appeared in the period 1150–1170, within the cultural ambience of Henry II's and Eleanor of ...
  92. [92]
    [PDF] Visions of Perception, Convention, and Contradiction in Chaucer's ...
    Through the subtle and witty manipulation of romance conventions, Chaucer shows how each of his main characters (Troilus, Criseyde, and. Pandarus) perceives, ...
  93. [93]
    Anne Coldiron's "Printers without Borders" Explores Transformation ...
    The first case study in Printers without Borders focuses on William Caxton, who translated and printed the first book in English, Recuyell of the Hystoryes of ...Missing: allegory | Show results with:allegory
  94. [94]
    Caxton
    Jan 28, 2011 · Each of the three books of the Recuyell includes a fall of Troy. The first and second falls are caused by the rude and tyrannical behavior of ...
  95. [95]
    [PDF] Virgil, Purcell, and Tate's Dido and Aeneas
    Aug 30, 2021 · The libretto was premiere of Henry Purcell's opera, Dido and adapted by Nahum Tate from the story of. Aeneas. It is believed to have been ...Missing: 17th | Show results with:17th<|separator|>
  96. [96]
    Helen of Troy's Reputation in Seventeenth-Century Venetian Opera.
    Seventeenth-century Venetian operas portrayed Helen of Troy positively, contrasting ancient negative depictions. 52.94% of Venetian opera plots (1637-1645) were ...
  97. [97]
    (PDF) Terrible Beauty - The Many Faces of Helen of Troy in Painting ...
    This research examines Helen's depiction in various art forms from antiquity to the nineteenth century, emphasizing her role as both an ideal of beauty and a ...
  98. [98]
    Herodotus and "The English Patient" - jstor
    1 Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient (London, 1992) p. 119, referred to henceforth as 'Ondaatje'. 48. Page 2. HARRISON: Herodotus in Hollywood ever, be put ...
  99. [99]
    The Gates of Troy - Historical Novel Society
    In this novel, he is provided with a fictional sidekick who will provide an outside point of view, the warrior Eperitus, who has been itching for a fight ever ...
  100. [100]
    Troy: From Homer's Iliad to Hollywood Epic
    Aug 9, 2007 · The volume under review offers scholarly comments on Troy (2004), a film “inspired” by the Iliad, directed by Wolfgang Petersen, starring Brad ...Missing: 21st | Show results with:21st
  101. [101]
  102. [102]
    Total War Saga: Troy - A game of myths, monsters and strategy
    May 29, 2020 · Exploring Ancient Greece as part of a game's main campaign has the opportunity to delve deep into the Greek mythology - and that's certainly ...
  103. [103]
  104. [104]
    [PDF] Homer, Troy and the Turks; Heritage and Identity in the Late ...
    Goufffijier in 1787, was the fijirst to map Hisarlık. At the turn of the century, traveller and antiquary Edward Daniel Clarke identifij ied Hisarlık with the.
  105. [105]
    [PDF] Periodic Reporting Cycle 3, Section II
    3 - Are the buffer zone(s) of the World Heritage property adequate to maintain the property's Outstanding Universal Value? The property has no buffer zone, but ...Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges<|control11|><|separator|>
  106. [106]
    [PDF] Archaeological Site of Troy - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
    DECISION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE: 22nd Session. The Committee inscribed this site on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (ii), (iii), ...
  107. [107]
    Negative consequences of COVID-19 for Cultural Assets in Turkey
    Apr 24, 2020 · ... historical sites and other cultural heritage properties closed until conditions return to normality. Although precautions should be taken for ...Missing: 2020-2022 | Show results with:2020-2022<|control11|><|separator|>
  108. [108]
    Schliemann's destruction in Turkey's Troy repaired after 150 years
    Aug 5, 2021 · German businessperson Heinrich Schliemann excavated the ancient city of Troy in northwestern Çanakkale province some 150 years ago.
  109. [109]
    Troy Museum | Turkish Archaeological News
    Dec 13, 2019 · Another fascinating exhibits are the terracotta plaques of a horseman, found as votive objects within Troy's Western Sanctuary. They depict a ...
  110. [110]
    Ancient city of Troy breaks 10-year visitor record in 2018 | Daily Sabah
    Jan 7, 2019 · This year's 531,650 visitors marks "the highest number of visitors in the last 10 years," Dokuz added. "Apart from this, the archaeological site ...Missing: pre- pandemic
  111. [111]
    Excavation Sites in 5 Questions: Troy | Turkish Museums
    Excavations carried out in the ancient city since 1871 have revealed that the city was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history.
  112. [112]
    Ancient City of Troy: meeting point of history and mythology
    Apr 18, 2024 · In addition, international conferences and workshops encourage academic studies on Troy and create global awareness for the preservation of this ...
  113. [113]
    Troy Museum Kits | Muze Kiti
    Troy Museum and Troy Archaeological Site Museum Kits include sections on museum education, cultural heritage, history of Western Anatolia and the Aegean ...
  114. [114]
    International Conference: Troy-Tenea-Rome - Archaeology Wiki
    The International Conference “Troy-Tenea-Rome – Mythological and historical itineraries meet for the first time” will be hosted by the archaeological ...
  115. [115]
    IX International Dance Festival & Competition "TROYA FEST"
    We invite you to join us in the historic city of Çanakkale, Turkey, from 07-11 August 2026. Çanakkale is renowned for its rich history, including the ancient ...Missing: Truva | Show results with:Truva
  116. [116]
    International TROYA Folk Dance and Music Festival (July) - EAFF
    The history of Çanakkale starts with the city of Troja where the Trojan Wars took place, continued with Çanakkale victory. This historical city is located ...Missing: Truva | Show results with:Truva
  117. [117]
    Çanakkale: Where ancient Troy sits beside the modern city | CNN
    May 10, 2023 · Çanakkale, in modern Turkey, sits near the site of Truva, or ancient Troy. The archaeological site is said to have been where the mythical ...In Turkey, A Modern City... · Inside 'ancient Troy And Its... · A Place Everyone Wanted To...
  118. [118]
    the power of intangible cultural heritage in tourism: troy legends and ...
    Aug 6, 2025 · Then, myths and legends about the Ancient City of Troy were presented, along with how they linked to Troy tourism and Çanakkale. The study's ...