Did the Trojan War Really Happen?

No heels were wounded and no wives were stolen during the making of this documentary. If you are planning to get Total War Saga: Troy for free, consider doing it via our link: bit.ly/30S8L66 - it will be available for FREE for 24 hours.

"Total War was inevitable" I'm slightly disappointed that you didn't flash up an ad for the game at that moment.

He’s trying to start a fight between the history and classics majors

Calvert: “Yeah man, this hill? It’s totally Troy.” Schliemann: “No way! Really??” Calvert: *stifled laughter* “For sure.” Schliemann: *digs up 9 settlements dating back to possibly even the chalcolithic* “HOLY SHIT IT’S TROY!!!” Calvert: “huh?”

Whoever made the graphics for this video, love it!

We would have known more if Schliemann didn’t use TNT

I love the myth that the surviving trojans went to italy under aneas and then became the ancestors of the romans and eventually formed rome

“Get up Prince of Troy, get up. I won’t let a rock take my glory”.

A reason why Troy was such an important point remains unmentioned in this material. There is a constant sea current running from the Black Sea towards the Egean. Also winds blow predominantly in this direction. Merchant ships were dependant on winds (no merchant would pay for a numerous rowing crew), thus they had to wait weeks long at the entry of the Hellespont for favourable weather. This is why the control of this single point was crucial and profitable.

Most historians agree now that the Bronze Age collapse was the result of a "systems failure" -- a series of simultaneous catastrophes, any one of which would not have been fatal, brought down the highly integrated multi-state trade and economic structures that ruined highly centralized societies. These include (1) drought, (2) famine, (3) sequential earthquakes and (4) consequent uprisings and sea-borne raids and plunder (the "Sea Peoples") by desperate masses.

Homer lived between 8-7 century bc . The Trojan campaign happened around 1100 BC . Between all these years , the story of Trojan war was spread into societies with songs by Aoidoi ( Αοιδός, skill singers that were playing ancient instruments and sing in festivals ) and Rhapsodoi ( Ραψωδός , professional performers that were speaking the poems , using staffs to keep the beat and actually Rap the epic stories ) . What Homer did was to gather all these folklore epic stories and connect them into his two famous masterpieces . Iliad and Odyssey

Also, Hittite sources talk about a prince whose name can be pronounces "Alek-shan-dush" - which fits with the Iliad, because Paris is alternatively named "Alexandros".

Most videos that I have seen regarding this issue are extremely sloppy, just quoting the Iliad or sometimes not even the Iliad, rather the movie. Well you got the point, we don't want to hear about the story we already know it, we want to learn if there is any truth to it. But you have done a great job my friend. Speaking with evidence and including archeological data dating back to the 1850s and Schliemann's disastrous excavations up to the more recent was truly magnificent. You also raised some very important questions that we all hope that the archeological community will answer some day. Thanks again and congratulations for a very informative video.

Man, this video was amazing! The production quality is down right fantastic 👏🏻 awesome work!

Sing, Muse, of the rage of Achillies Most badass quote ever. Myrmidons!

There’s an amazing ongoing graphic novel series about the Trojan War called Age of Bronze. One guy, Eric Shanower, writes and illustrates the whole thing. He did a whole bunch research from all kinds of historical and literary sources, blending all the mythological stories with a historical, grounded approach. He even tries to capture archaeological and ethnic accuracy in his illustrations. It’s an absolute must read for anyone who’s interested in the Trojan War. It’s bloody amazing!

This story is, by far and away, my favorite ancient story that I TRULY hoped actually happened. I know there's a lot of hearsay and blah blah but how cool would it honestly be if there was a truth to this and there really was an Achilles and Hector and they actually fought? Always been so fascinated by this story and even got Achilles' shield inked on my shoulder due tot he pure awe and respect I have for this epic.

I’m starting to come around to the view that the “sea peoples” were a symptom of the Bronze Age collapse, and not the cause. They may have made the situation much worse, but you have to wonder why so many people were not only coming to invade, but also bringing their entire families and all their belongings with them. They were almost certainly looking for a place to settle, and the big question is why. What forced so many to relocate at the same time?

Ancient Greek history fascinates me as someone who studies modern history.

0:30 Fun fact, the originally text by Homer makes no reference to Achilles' immortality or invulnerability, or him being dipped in the Styx by his ankle. Achilles' death was foreordained, and in his duel with Hector he was wounded and bleeding.