Troy, one of the most legendary cities in human history, lives at the intersection of myth and archaeology. For centuries, it was considered a tale born from epic poetry — until ruins unearthed in western Turkey brought the legend to life.
🔹 The Birth of a Legend
Troy first appeared in the ancient Greek epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, the legendary poet of antiquity. In these works, Troy was portrayed as a wealthy and fortified city under siege by the Greeks for ten years.
The spark for this legendary war? The abduction of Helen, said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, by Paris, prince of Troy. What followed became one of the most iconic stories of love, war, and deception — including the infamous Trojan Horse.
🔹 The Discovery of Troy: From Fiction to Fact
Until the 19th century, most people believed Troy was purely mythical. But in 1870, a determined German archaeologist named Heinrich Schliemann began excavations at a mound known as Hisarlik, near the modern city of Çanakkale, Turkey.
What he found was astonishing: layers upon layers of ancient cities built atop one another, evidence of real civilizations that matched Homer’s descriptions. The world realized: Troy wasn’t just a story — it was real.
🔹 Nine Cities in One
Archaeologists have identified nine major settlement layers at the site of Troy, each representing a different era in the city’s long history — from the early Bronze Age to the Roman Empire.
Highlights include:
- Troy I–III: Early, modest settlements (c. 3000–2000 BCE)
- Troy VI–VII: Believed to be the era of the Trojan War (~1200 BCE)
- Troy IX: A flourishing Roman city, with temples, theaters, and roads
Each layer reveals unique cultural, architectural, and historical details.
🔹 Troy in the Roman and Later Periods
Under Roman rule, Troy became a prominent cultural and religious center. However, due to natural disasters, invasions, and economic decline, the city was eventually abandoned.
🔹 UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1998, the archaeological site of Troy was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a global recognition of its cultural and historical importance.
Today, visitors can walk among the ancient city walls, stand beside the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse, and imagine the footsteps of heroes, kings, and poets.
🔹 Visiting Troy Today
📍 Location: Near Çanakkale, western Turkey
🕘 Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) or Fall (September–October)
🚗 How to get there: By car or tour from Istanbul (~5 hours), or fly to Çanakkale and drive 30 mins
With guided tours available, including transportation and historical narration, your journey into ancient legend becomes effortless.
Conclusion
Troy is more than an archaeological site — it is a bridge between mythology and reality, a living reminder that sometimes, legends are true.
Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or a fan of epic tales, Troy will capture your imagination and your heart.
📞 Ready to visit Troy?
Book your tour with us today:
📲 WhatsApp: +90 505 785 42 48
🌐 www.turkeyexplore.com
✉️ info@turkeyexplore.com
