The Trojan War By Barry Strauss - 1262 Words

The Trojan War has long been debated on historical accuracy by experts on whether or not it actually happened. In Barry Strauss book, The Trojan War, he draws from multiple sources to illustrate what occurred during this time period. Strauss utilizes archeological evidence and descriptions from poets, such as Homer, surrounding the Trojan War to argue what probably happened and what was likely made up. Barry Strauss organizes his summary of the Trojan War by referencing Homer s the Iliad and the Odyssey and compares it to the historical contexts of what he thinks happened. Most scholars agree that the Trojan War dates back around 1200 B.C. during the Bronze Age. The most popular tale of how the Trojan War starts is when Paris, Prince of Troy, goes to visit Sparta to mend relations. In Sparta, Paris is welcomed by Menelaus, King of Sparta and his beautiful wife Helen. According to ancient sources, Menelaus went to Crete for business and foolishly left Helen all alone with Paris (Strauss, 15). Afterward, Helen is seduced by Paris and flees Sparta to accompany him back to Troy, along with bountiful treasures. There are various accounts for why Helen left Sparta and to why Paris abducted Helen. Some attribute the abduction as a means to power and politics. According to Strauss, Anatolia was a place that offered women more political freedom (Strauss, 16). Freedom and power alone could have enticed Helen to leaving her husband and running off with Paris. Homer heavilyShow MoreRelatedThe Trojan War : A New History By Barry Strauss936 Words   |  4 Pagesstated that the Trojan War was a conflict that was created from the abduction of the queen of Sparta, defying the peace treaty between the Greeks and the Trojans. The Greeks and the Trojans previously fought constantly and finally agreed to cease the violence between the nation’s strongest armies. Although the Greeks were defeated after attempting to invade Troy’s walls with footmen, they defeated Troy during the night with a trick. In the book The Trojan War: A New History by Barry Strauss, the authorRead MoreAnalysis Of The B ook The Trojan War A New History 1460 Words   |  6 Pages Adrian Olivas September 8, 2015 Classics 40 Mr. Smith 4:00 Berry Strauss’s â€Å"The Trojan War a New History† Book Review Barry Strauss, professor of classics at Cornell University attempts to redefine a one of history’s biggest love affairs, the Trojan War. Strauss explains how certain events and characters from Homers â€Å"The Odyssey† might have actually existed, but also uses modern discoveries from the Bronze Age to compare Homers account to those of Egypt, the Middle EastRead MoreBarry Strausss The Trojan War1664 Words   |  7 Pagesbelieve that it is nonfiction. 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