The enchantment surrounding the discovery of the largest golden treasure in the Golden City of ancient Rome has sparked widespread fascination. Amidst the exchange of views on materials published in the HE, it emerged that a significant number of users were keenly interested in the Bronze Age, particularly the weapons and armor of the legendary Trojan War.
The topic is undeniably captivating, reminiscent of familiar stories from school textbooks, such as the “Copper spears,” “Helm-helm Hector,” and the “famous shield of Achilles.” These artifacts hail from the ancient city of Troy, a historical event uniquely transmitted through poetry and art, providing insight into a previously unknown culture.
The myth of Troy, besieged by the Greeks, lacked convincing evidence until the late nineteenth century. Heinrich Schliemann, driven by a romantic childhood dream and fueled by financial support, embarked on a quest to find the legendary city. Following Herodotus’s descriptions, he excavated the Ghisarlyk hill from 1871 for over two decades, ultimately discovering what he believed to be “his” Troy.
Schliemann’s excavation revealed an astonishing discovery — Troy had multiple cultural layers, indicating the rebuilding of the city over time. Troy I, the oldest layer, coexisted with Troy IX from the Roman era. Today, there are a staggering 46 layers, making the study of Troy’s history a complex endeavor.
The Shocking Revelation: Among the layers, Troy VII emerged as the real Troy. Evidence suggests the city met a fiery end around 1250 BC, with the remains of people in this layer indicating a violent demise. Heinrich Schliemann, though initially mistaken in identifying Troy II as the sought-after Troy, contributed significantly to unraveling the mysteries of this ancient city.
The journey into the layers of Troy, with its unexpected twists and turns, reflects the dedication and perseverance of early archaeologists. The discovery of multiple cultural strata not only unveiled the rich history of Troy but also highlighted the challenges in deciphering its intricate past. The legacy of Troy continues to captivate minds, offering a glimpse into a bygone era through the lens of archaeological exploration.