01-25-2005, 10:17 PM
Well, there actually isn't evidence that Agamemnon existed (unless you're aware of something I'm not; the so-called "Mask of Agamemnon" is too early by a few hundred years). It is true that there was a city which fits the general location and description of Troy, and was destroyed by fire at approximately the right time for the Trojan War. Later Greeks (and Romans) thought that it was around there. So it's probably a good bet that there was a Troy.<br>
<br>
As for the tomb of Achilles, the monument itself surely existed; the ancients may have believed it to be real. You might compare (I don't mean to provoke any sort of religious debate here...) the veneration of holy relics of saints during the Middle Ages in Europe (and continuing up to the present). Some believe, some don't. And whether or not a particular item is actually what it claims to be, is I believe beyond the capability of science at this point.<br>
<br>
Thus far, the only 'evidence' for the existence of Achilles and Hector is Homer (and other ancient authors drawing on the pre-Homeric tradition of the Trojan war). <p></p><i></i>
<br>
As for the tomb of Achilles, the monument itself surely existed; the ancients may have believed it to be real. You might compare (I don't mean to provoke any sort of religious debate here...) the veneration of holy relics of saints during the Middle Ages in Europe (and continuing up to the present). Some believe, some don't. And whether or not a particular item is actually what it claims to be, is I believe beyond the capability of science at this point.<br>
<br>
Thus far, the only 'evidence' for the existence of Achilles and Hector is Homer (and other ancient authors drawing on the pre-Homeric tradition of the Trojan war). <p></p><i></i>
Dan Diffendale
Ph.D. candidate, University of Michigan
Ph.D. candidate, University of Michigan
