Greek Mythology and History: The Trojan War and the Iliad

In this soft-spoken story, I tell you about Greek mythology around the Trojan War. We explore its storylines and numerous characters, from gods like Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Hera to heroes and other mortals: Menelaus, Agamemnon, Odysseus, Achilles, Ajax, Patroclus, Hector, Priam, Paris, Aeneas, Helen of Troy, and many more. Discover how the feud between the gods over Eris’ golden apple spilled over into the world of men, and everything that ensued. I also tell you about the Trojan Horse, various other myths, and archaeology: When and how did Greek mythology take shape? Was Troy real? Where is the frontier between legend and history?

This is a remastered and expanded version of one of my earlier episodes, with improved audio and new material. I have added discoveries and historical evidence that help us look more closely at the possible reality behind the legend, including Hittite records referring to Wilusa and Ahhiyawa, more about the archaeology and different layers of Troy, and what we know about the city during the Late Bronze Age. I have also expanded parts of the traditional story, including the warnings of Cassandra and Laocoön and the ancient sources that tell us about the Trojan Horse.

This content is entirely scripted and recorded by real people, it includes no AI, and mid-roll ad breaks are turned off so that you can relax without interruption.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Zeus' Plan

04:25 The Judgment of Paris

10:15 Helen and the Road to War

18:32 Homer and the Historical Troy

32:59 Achilles and the Expedition to Troy

47:14 The Iliad, Patroclus and Hector

55:45 The Trojan Horse, the Fall of Troy and Archaeology

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