Troy is one of the most interesting and valuable archaeological treasures of Turkey. It is well-known all around the world because of the Iliad of Homeros. Another thing that makes it so special is the most epic war in world history occurred here. It’s been also added to Unesco World Cultural Heritage List since 1998. Now, let’s discover it closer.
The History Of Troy
Troy is located in Hisarlık Hill which is 30 km away from Çanakkale county of Turkey. The first archaeological excavations started in 1871 led by Heinrich Schliemann who studied deeply on Iliad of Homeros. He discovered many treasures but kidnapped most of them to Europe. According to the excavations, it dates back to BC 3000, so it has 5000 years of history. It consists of 9 layers and deeply damaged all over history because of earthquakes.
The Legend Of Troy
According to the legend, Electra, who was the daughter of sea-nymph Thetis and the sea god Okeanos, married Zeus and gave birth to his child Dardanos. Tros, the son of Dardanos, established the city of Triad and his son Ilus established Troy.
It was the place where the first beauty competition in the world, which caused the war, was organized. The Goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite join the competition. Paris, the son of Troy King Priam, was tasked to be on the jury. He chooses Aphrodite who promised Helen, the wife of Menelaus. Paris kidnaps Helen and the war begins.
The Famous Trojan Horse
Achaeans and Trojans fight for years to win the war. One day, Odysseus finds a solution. Achaeans build wooden horses and leave them in front of Troy Gates. Trojans think that it is a gift from the gods and take it inside the walls. Actually, it is full of Acha Soldiers. At midnight, soldiers, who were hidden inside the horse, get out and massacre the Trojans. Finally, Troy falls.
This documentary could also catch your attention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRi7qzNK3Tc
Well, in this article, we discovered one of the unique archaeological treasures of Turkey which were home to the most famous epic and war in world history. I hope this pandemic ends very soon and we will be able to visit it again . Until that time, stay home and stay safe 😉
