What Happened to the Trojans After the Trojan War?
The Trojan War, as depicted in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, was a pivotal event in ancient Greek mythology. The war was fought between the city-states of Troy and Greece, with the Greeks ultimately emerging victorious. But what happened to the Trojans after the war? Did they rebuild their city, or did they disappear into the annals of history?
The Aftermath of the War
The aftermath of the Trojan War was marked by chaos and destruction. The city of Troy was sacked, and its inhabitants were either killed or taken captive by the Greeks. The Greek hero Odysseus, who had played a key role in the war, was tasked with leading a contingent of Greek warriors back to their homes.
The Fate of the Trojan Royalty
The Trojan royal family, including King Priam and his sons, were killed during the war. Priam’s death was particularly gruesome, as he was slaughtered by Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks, in his own palace. The Trojan princesses, including Cassandra and Andromache, were taken captive by the Greeks and either married off to Greek nobles or forced into slavery.
The Rebuilding of Troy
Despite the destruction of their city, the Trojans did attempt to rebuild. According to legend, the city was rebuilt by a descendant of King Priam named Laomedon. However, the new city was not as prosperous as the old one, and it was eventually destroyed by the gods.
The Legacy of the Trojans
The Trojans left a lasting legacy in Greek mythology. The city of Troy became a symbol of bravery and honor, and the Trojan War was seen as a pivotal event in the development of Greek civilization. The story of the Trojan War has been retold and reinterpreted countless times, and its themes of love, honor, and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences today.
The Modern-Day Search for Troy
In recent years, archaeologists have been searching for the remains of the ancient city of Troy. In 1870, the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the site of Hisarlik in northwest Turkey, which is believed to be the location of the ancient city. Excavations have continued to this day, and while the site has yielded many important artifacts, the exact location of the city remains a topic of debate.
The Trojans in Modern Culture
The Trojans have also had a significant impact on modern culture. The story of the Trojan War has been retold and reinterpreted in countless works of literature, art, and film. From Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida to the 2004 film Troy, the story of the Trojan War continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Conclusion
The Trojans after the Trojan War were left to pick up the pieces of their destroyed city and rebuild their lives. While the city of Troy was eventually rebuilt, it was never the same as it had been before the war. The legacy of the Trojans, however, continues to be felt to this day, and their story remains an important part of Greek mythology and culture.
Timeline of the Trojans After the Trojan War
- 1200 BCE: The Trojan War ends with the destruction of the city of Troy.
- 1150 BCE: The city of Troy is rebuilt by a descendant of King Priam named Laomedon.
- 1000 BCE: The city of Troy is destroyed again, this time by the gods.
- 500 BCE: The story of the Trojan War is retold and reinterpreted in Greek literature and art.
- 1870 CE: The site of Hisarlik in northwest Turkey is discovered, believed to be the location of the ancient city of Troy.
- 2004 CE: The film Troy is released, retelling the story of the Trojan War.
Famous Trojans
- King Priam: The king of Troy who was killed during the war.
- Hector: The greatest warrior of the Trojans and the son of King Priam.
- Paris: The prince of Troy who sparked the war by stealing Helen from Greece.
- Cassandra: The princess of Troy who was cursed by the gods to never be believed.
- Andromache: The princess of Troy who was taken captive by the Greeks and married to the Greek hero Hector.
Bibliography
- Homer. The Iliad. Translated by Robert Fagles. Penguin Books, 1990.
- Schliemann, Heinrich. Troy and Its Remains. Translated by William Helbert. Macmillan, 1875.
- Leaf, Walter. The Trojan War: A Study of Homer’s Iliad. Macmillan, 1912.
- Graves, Robert. The Greek Myths. Penguin Books, 1955.
- Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles. Penguin Books, 1990.
Table: The Fate of the Trojan Royalty
| Royal Family Member | Fate |
|---|---|
| King Priam | Killed by Achilles |
| Hector | Killed by Achilles |
| Paris | Killed by Philoctetes |
| Cassandra | Taken captive by the Greeks, never believed |
| Andromache | Taken captive by the Greeks, married to Hector |
Bullets: The Legacy of the Trojans
• The city of Troy became a symbol of bravery and honor
• The Trojan War was seen as a pivotal event in the development of Greek civilization
• The story of the Trojan War has been retold and reinterpreted countless times
• The themes of love, honor, and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences today
