Troy : Myth, City, Icon

From the palaces of Homeric epic to the ancestral seat of Roman emperors, Troy in antiquity was a place couched in myth. But for nearly four millennia, Troy was also a living city, inhabited by real people. Troy today is therefore a site of major archaeological and historical significance. In the modern world, however, Troy has become as much a symbol as a site. From movies to computer viruses, from condom branding to reggae records, Troy is a word to conjure with.

This book explores the significance of Troy in three areas: the mythic, the archaeological, and the cultural, and highlights the continuing importance of the site today. Including a survey of the archaeological remains of Troy as they are currently understood, the volume presents an all-inclusive overview of the site's history, from the Troy of Homer to Classical Antiquity and beyond. The modern day cultural significance of the Trojan War is also discussed, including re-tellings of the stories or representations of the site and myth, and the more abstract use of Troy as a symbol – as a brand for consumer goods, and as a metaphor for contemporary conflicts.

“[A] little gem of a book … Troy is a perfect addition to a course on ancient epic, Aegean archaeology, or reception studies, and includes an extensive bibliography and suggestions for further research. In sum, Troy is a pleasant and enlightening read for scholars of all levels and a very handy reference. Summing Up: Highly recommended.” - CHOICE

“No one, not even Homer, has ever tried to tell the whole story of Troy. But this slim volume comes incredibly close. The author guides us briskly through 5,000 years of fact, fiction and folklore … We wind up in the Troy of today with a broad understanding of how and why ancient lives and literatures affect us still. Travelers to the site of Troy need this book in their backpacks. For everyone else staying at home, reading this volume is the next best thing to being there.” - AramcoWorld