Unveiling the Mysteries of Troy: In Search of Troy 2nd Edition

In Search of Troy 2nd Edition takes you on an exhilarating journey back in time to unravel the enigmatic legends surrounding the ancient city of Troy. This article dives deep into the historical context, myths, and archeological findings, shedding light on the significance of Troy in shaping our understanding of ancient civilizations and its impact on present-day society.

The Mythical City of Troy

For centuries, the city of Troy captured the imagination of poets, scholars, and adventurers alike. Revered by the ancient Greeks as a hub of culture and power, Troy stepped into immortality through the epic works of Homer, primarily the Iliad and the Odyssey.

According to legend, the Trojan War, fought between the Greeks and Trojans, lasted for a decade due to the abduction of the beautiful Helen of Sparta by Prince Paris. In their quest to retrieve Helen, the Greeks launched a thousand ships, besieging the impenetrable walls of Troy. It wasn't until the infamous Greek warrior Odysseus devised the cunning plan of the Trojan Horse that the city fell, signifying the end of the war.

In Search of Troy, 2nd Edition: An Unusual History Detective Story

by Michael Lynch (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19079 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Search Begins

Despite its mythical significance, the actual existence of Troy remained contested until the nineteenth century. It was in 1871 that the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, inspired by the Homeric poems, embarked on a quest to unearth the lost city. Guided by his relentless determination and controversial excavation techniques, Schliemann discovered the layers of Troy on the hill of Hissarlik in modern-day Turkey.

Schliemann's findings in the 1870s were considered the first major breakthrough in the search for Troy. However, subsequent excavations and the work of later archaeologists, such as Carl Blegen and Manfred Korfmann, have expanded our knowledge and challenged earlier interpretations.

Digging Deeper: Excavations and Discoveries

Archaeological expeditions have revealed that Troy was not a single, unified city but a series of cities built on top of one another. These layers, known as Troy I to Troy IX, highlight the continuous occupation and rebuilding of the city from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman period.

Within the layers of Troy, fascinating discoveries have emerged. The magnificent fortification walls, the remains of grand palaces and homes, intriguing artifacts, and evidence of ancient trade routes offer valuable insights into the daily life, wealth, and cultural interactions of the Trojans.

Mysteries and Interpretations

The excavations at Troy have also given rise to numerous mysteries and debates among scholars. One of the most intriguing questions is whether the Trojan War was a historical event or a product of poetic imagination. While evidence of destruction and warfare has been found at Troy, there is still no consensus on whether it corresponds to the events described by Homer.

Additionally, the identity of the infamous Trojan Horse remains a mystery. Was it a metaphorical element added to the epic or a clever military strategy employed by the Greeks? Archaeologists and historians continue to explore this enigma, aiming to separate fact from fiction.

Influence on Art and Literature

The tale of Troy has inspired countless works of art and literature throughout history. From ancient Greek tragedies to Renaissance paintings and modern adaptations, the story of Troy continues to captivate and resonate with audiences.

Prominent writers like Shakespeare, Virgil, and Goethe drew from the Trojans' legacy to explore themes of love, heroism, fate, and the human condition. The Trojan War remains a symbol of ambition, glory, and the complexities of war that transcend time and resonate with societies across centuries.

Present-Day Significance

The significance of Troy extends far beyond its mythical or historical value. The excavations have not only contributed to the field of archaeology but also shed light on the connections between different ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region.

Moreover, the preservation and interpretation of Troy's ancient ruins have become integral to cultural heritage and tourism in modern-day Turkey. The site attracts visitors from around the world, offering a tangible connection to the past and highlighting the importance of preserving our shared human history.

In Search of Troy 2nd Edition takes us on a captivating journey through the layers of time, unearthing the mysteries and legacy of the mythical city. From myth to reality, the story of Troy continues to inspire and ignite our curiosity about the triumphs, tragedies, and complex tapestry of human civilization.

Intrigued by the allure of Troy? Join us as we delve into the heart of this ancient city, where legends intertwine with history and discoveries await those who dare to seek them.

In Search of Troy, 2nd Edition: An Unusual History Detective Story

by Michael Lynch (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19079 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Trojan War took place more than 3,000 years ago. Yet 3,000 years ago there was no Greek civilization. The Balkans, arguably, was Mycenaean, not Greek. Scholars have strenuously stressed that the Mycenaean script, Linear B, was the forerunner of Greek, yet it was a syllabic script, not a phonetic one. Therefore, the best one can argue for is that the later Greeks had absorbed some aspects of the Mycenaean cultures, including gods, into their own. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons to dispute the Asia Minor Troy assignment. But interestingly, as it were, the controversy—error if you will—involved a certain scholar named András Róna-Tas.

András Róna-Tas is a historian and linguist who specializes in all things Hungarian. He received a degree in eastern linguistics (Turkic, Mongol, and Tibetan). His relevance to the present work lies in his that the origin of the name “Turk” was “Truk.” In the east, where the Turks flourished, the native tongues could not accommodate the “Tr” sound. So, “Truk” became “Turk,” and the “Truks” accepted the mispronunciation.

Yet, “Truk” was none other than “Troy,” as manifested in the Greek word “Troia.” Therefore, Troy was really Turk. The Greeks and Romans called Troy (Turk) by other names; viz., Ilium and Ilion. In a round-about way, we have proof that the Greeks did not battle the Trojans/Turks at the western tip of Asia Minor. The conflict happened elsewhere, and this book sets out to find out where that was.

That said, what is this book about? It is about the pre-history of the historical Greeks, and it takes us around the Eurasian Continent. Yes, the Greeks traveled from Egypt through India to southwestern China where it met or participated in establishing the San Xing Dui Culture (Sanxingdui, 三星堆, and the Chinese know not this book), then went north to Siberia, west to Central Asia, and eventually settled in the Balkans no earlier than the 8th c. BCE. Somewhere during this trip, the pre-Greeks found the Trojans and they had it out.

Prof. Chien, the author of In Search of Troy, is a multicultural scholar. His knowledge straddles multiple disciplines and civilizations. His Chinese heritage combined with his American education provides him with a unique stereoscopic view of the world. His engineering background ingrains in him a strict logical thinking. His uncompromising inquisitiveness propels him to look at each and every aspect of the historical timeframe within his purview and to formulate a viable solution to the problem, and what a it is.

Prof. Chien quickly defines the problem, then in the best Agatha Christie tradition carefully and deliberately lays out the background, giving us a clear understanding of the time and the scope of the central issues. One by one he lays out the pertinent factors that would shed light on the path to the solution. And just when you wonder how they would all be woven together, pow, pow, pow, pow, pow, and you’re down for the count! That was, of course, Muhammad Ali rope-a-dope knocking out George Foreman, but the effect here is not dissimilar. You, the reader, hardly have the time to demur, and the case is made.

Well, that may not be the case with the academics, for Prof. Chien’s theory will most assuredly be considered too outré for their comfort, although it is impeccably supported by the evidence provided and well-argued. One does not expect mainstream intelligentsia to give up on long-held views without some resistance. Nonetheless, in this magnum opus, the author gives a master class in research. The material contained herein is rich. There are at least 10 PhD degrees waiting to be earned by some worthy history students. It is without question a tour de force, a pièce de résistance in the annals of historical research.

Ultimately, In Search of Troy is a great read, and in a way is more entertaining than the Iliad itself—Editor