Podcast Summary: "The Trojan War"
Short History Of... by NOISER
Hosted by John Hopkins
Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of "Short History Of...", hosted by John Hopkins, listeners are taken on an immersive journey through the legendary Trojan War. The episode delves into the historical and archaeological endeavors that have sought to separate myth from reality, focusing particularly on the exploits of Heinrich Schliemann, the passionate archaeologist who fervently pursued the discovery of ancient Troy.

Homeric Epics and the Origins of the Trojan War

The episode opens with a discussion on Homer’s epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which have long been the primary sources recounting the tale of the Trojan War.

Schliemann [00:00]: "Is it time to reimagine your future? The right business skills may make a difference in your career."

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Professor Armand Denger, a classical scholar at Jesus College, Oxford, provides context on the classical period and the Panhellenic nature of the Iliad, emphasizing how it serves as a foundational myth for ancient Greek identity.

Professor Armand Denger [08:57]:
"What most people think about when they think about ancient Greece is the golden age of Athens... Herodotus tells us actually that the Trojan War took place, I think he says, 400 years before Homer."
(08:57)

The narrative explores the Epic Cycle, noting that while the Iliad and the Odyssey survive as detailed accounts, the other parts of the cycle, such as the Cypria, have been lost over time.

Schliemann [09:46]:
"The Cypria tells of the buildup to the Trojan War. It is set in Troy, a powerful city that becomes rich because it sits on the crossroads between vital trade routes."
(09:46)

The Quest for Troy: Heinrich Schliemann’s Expedition

The episode transitions to the early 19th century, highlighting Heinrich Schliemann’s passion for uncovering the historical truth behind Homer’s tales. Despite skepticism from the academic community, Schliemann's determination drives him to excavate the site believed to be Troy, known today as Hisarlik.

Schliemann [00:00]: (Advertisements are skipped)

After initial identification by earlier scholars like Charles Maclaren and collaboration with Frank Calvert, Schliemann funds a large-scale excavation, bringing in thousands of workers and employing aggressive digging techniques.

Schliemann [26:55]:
"Schliemann throws his enthusiasm and funding into excavating the site first shown to him by Frank Calvert."
(26:55)

His methods, though groundbreaking, are criticized for being destructive, as he prioritizes uncovering the deepest layers of the mound, inadvertently damaging potential archaeological treasures.

Schliemann [31:46]:
"He was in no rush to settle down after hearing about the gold rush In California."
(31:46)

Archaeological Discoveries and Controversies

Schliemann’s most notable discovery is the "Treasures of Priam", a hoard of gold artifacts which he claimed belonged to King Priam, the legendary ruler of Troy. However, these artifacts were later dated to a period significantly earlier than the Trojan War, casting doubt on their association with Homeric figures.

Schliemann [37:15]:
"So Homer is right to set the Trojan War amid that time of great conflict."
(37:15)

Moreover, Schliemann’s actions led to tensions with local authorities, resulting in legal battles and his eventual ban from excavating at Hisarlik. His personal narratives, particularly the tales involving his wife Sophie, have been questioned by historians, suggesting possible embellishments or fabrications.

Professor Armand Denger [41:15]:
"He was such a charlatan in so many ways and so brilliant in others."
(41:15)

Legacy of the Trojan War and Troy’s Historical Significance

Despite the controversies surrounding Schliemann’s methods, his excavations undeniably placed Troy on the archaeological map, sparking further studies and interest in the site. Professor Denger elaborates on the multiple layers of Troy, each representing different historical periods, with Troy VI being a likely candidate for the Homeric city due to signs of destruction and its chronological alignment with the purported time of the Trojan War.

Professor Armand Denger [35:40]:
"The archaeologists who excavated Troy starting in the 19th century found layers on layers, something like 40 different layers of habitation."
(35:40)

The episode also touches upon the broader cultural and historical impacts of the Trojan War narratives, including their influence on later figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, who sought to associate themselves with the heroic legacy of Troy to bolster their own legacies.

Professor Armand Denger [37:35]:
"He was the very Greeks who are supposed to have launched the Trojan War in order to bring back Helen of Sparta."
(37:35)

The Fate of Troy’s Treasures and Modern Repercussions

The narrative concludes by tracing the journey of the "Treasures of Priam", which were confiscated by Soviet authorities during World War II and remain largely unseen, fueling ongoing debates about cultural heritage and the preservation of historical artifacts.

Professor Armand Denger [49:06]:
"Homer is at the root of all of that. So I think that is why the Trojan story has always resonated and will continue to do so."
(49:06)

Finally, the episode reflects on the enduring legacy of the Trojan War, emphasizing the blend of myth, history, and literary significance that continues to captivate audiences and scholars alike.

Schliemann [50:14]:
"We may never know if the Trojan War was one battle that took place around 1200 BC or many battles, or if it ever happened at all."
(50:14)
Professor Armand Denger [50:14]:
"But thanks to the determination of true believers, we do at least know that the city did exist, that Homer was not just a poet, but also a historian."
(50:14)

Conclusion

"The Trojan War" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between mythology and archaeology, highlighting how passion, ambition, and sometimes flawed methodologies contribute to our understanding of ancient history. Through the lens of Heinrich Schliemann’s fervent quest, the podcast underscores the complexities involved in unearthing the truths buried within legendary tales.

Quotes and Attributions:

• Professor Armand Denger [08:57]: Discussing the classical period and Herodotus’s accounts.
• Schliemann [09:46]: Explaining the Epic Cycle and the significance of the Cypria.
• Schliemann [26:55]: Detailing his excavation efforts at Hisarlik.
• Professor Denger [35:40]: Commenting on the archaeological layers of Troy.
• Professor Denger [37:15]: Linking Homeric descriptions to archaeological findings.
• Professor Denger [41:15]: Critiquing Schliemann’s character and methods.
• Professor Denger [49:06]: Reflecting on the lasting impact of Homer and the Trojan story.
• Schliemann [50:14]: Questioning the historical reality of the Trojan War.
• Professor Denger [50:14]: Affirming the existence of Troy and the historical value of Homer’s work.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections interspersed within the transcript have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the episode’s educational content.