Myth or Fact: The Trojan War

The Trojan War is the one of the great Greek myths. Homer describes the war in the
Iliad using Greek gods and goddesses from Mount Olympus. For a long time, many people
thought the story of the Trojan War was just that: a story. Recently, though, archaeologists have
uncovered evidence that points to the fact that the Trojan War may have actually happened. It is
time for you to take a look at the evidence for yourself: Did the Trojan War really happen?

1. Start by considering Homers writing:

a. Were all of his stories factual?
b. Did his stories contain impossible events?
c. What can this lead us to conclude?

2. Now, consider the findings of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/849/
a. Did Troy likely exist? Does existence mean war?
b. What evidence points toward a war?
c. What have we learned about archaeological evidence and how may that help us
interpret the artifacts?

3. Read this article by a well-respected historian on the issue, Michael Korfmann:

http://archive.archaeology.org/0405/etc/troy.html
a. Write down his main arguments for why the Trojan War happened:
4. Evidence against Troy:
a. Write down the main arguments against the existence of a Trojan War:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/05/0514_040514_troy_2.html
http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/arts-blog/did-trojan-horse-exist-classicist-tests-greek-myths
http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/was-there-ever-trojan-war-001737
Finally, tell me: Was there a Trojan War?
Use evidence from the documents weve researched to say why or why not. In your answer be
sure to discuss the Trojan Horse (was it likely real or not?) and the cause of the war (was it love
or economics?). This response needs to be at least half a page in length and use a t least three
pieces of evidence, although more evidence will strengthen your grade.