The Modern Scholar

Archaeology and the Iliad: The Trojan War in Homer and History

De: Eric H. Cline

Narrado por: Eric H. Cline

The Trojan War, captured forever in Homer's epic poem the Iliad, resonates to the present day in the popular imagination, and this magnificent confrontation continues to exert a tremendous influence on modern audiences.

But did Troy actually exist? And if so, where is it located? Was the Trojan War actually fought? If it was, did it take place over the course of ten years, as Homer wrote, or was it a much longer series of battles? And why was the war fought? Could Helen's face alone really have launched a thousand ships?

In this course, esteemed professor Eric H. Cline examines the real history of Troy and delves into the archaeological discoveries (which continue to the present day) that help to answer the questions above. Through an entertaining and incisive analysis of known data, Professor Cline provides a fuller, richer understanding of this historic clash.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2006 Eric H. Cline (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Comprehensive and enjoyable

This was a great College-level introduction to the topic, covering the historicity of the Trojan War, and the history of its archaeological finds. Dr Cline’s comfortable manner made the depths of the detail easy to digest. His approach to the topic was very insightful, bringing in the broad range of information necessary to evaluate what actually may have happened. I recommend it highly.

Fascinating

I would recommend these lectures to anyone who has an interest in Homer's story of Troy "The Iliad", an interest in ancient Greek history, or in archaeology.

Dr. Cline's in-depth knowledge of all these complex subjects is obvious; yet he has a real talent for communicating with the general listener and making the subject matter easily understandable and ... fascinating.

Beware Greeks. . . and Archaeologists!

There's a lot of information here, and I enjoyed the enthusiasm of Professor Cline. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of repetition.

This is much more archaeology than Iliad. I learned a great deal about the various archaeologists who have sought Troy over the years. One, in particular, was evidently a scoundrel and a liar - his story is fascinating. And what a to-do over "Priam's Treasure"!

I just think it was a little long and (to repeat myself!) very, very repetitive. If you have a real interest in archaeology, then by all means go for it. If your interest is more literary, perhaps another history of Homer and the Iliad would be more appropriate.

Excellent Overview

Cline not only gives an excellent overview, he provides a good example of how to think as a social scientist.

A Wonderful Listen

Cline covers a lot of ground, not only the history of the Iliad but also the questions surrounding Homer, the histories of the archeologists and archeological digs that have searched for Troy, and the questions that archeology and study have yet to answer.

Cline is a pleasant, interesting lecturer that makes the subject matter both intriguing and accessible to the listener.