The Illiad stylizes a cultural mode of war that was long gone before Homer's time. Assuming he was a single person, Homer likely lived centuries after the best-evidenced archaeology and historical records that seem to possibly relate to his narrative. Infantry combat had probably not changed much, but the chariot had gone out of use, and individual combats were less common by the 6C BC. Greeks were always hopeless at siegecraft, however. In fact, that is the real reason it took ten years to defeat Troy.
Mary- I'll be thinking of "To feel such anger, stormy in your breast" for a while this week. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia
The Illiad stylizes a cultural mode of war that was long gone before Homer's time. Assuming he was a single person, Homer likely lived centuries after the best-evidenced archaeology and historical records that seem to possibly relate to his narrative. Infantry combat had probably not changed much, but the chariot had gone out of use, and individual combats were less common by the 6C BC. Greeks were always hopeless at siegecraft, however. In fact, that is the real reason it took ten years to defeat Troy.
Isn't that the way it always is? Mankind is simply going about his business, existing. The pantheon starts shit; man dies, and gods shrug it off.