The Trojan War is one of the most legendary conflicts in history, a tale of epic battles and heroic deeds that has captivated audiences for centuries. But what do we really know about this ancient war, and the people who fought in it?
In the episode of “In Search of the Trojan War” titled “Empire of the Hittites”, historians turn to ancient clay tablets in order to reconstruct events from this period. These tablets, discovered in what is now modern-day Turkey, contain letters and other documents that shed light on the lives of the people who lived in this region thousands of years ago.
The Hittites were one of the most powerful empires of the Bronze Age, and their influence extended across much of what is now Turkey and the surrounding areas. They were a formidable opponent for the ancient Greeks, who are believed to have fought against them during the Trojan War. By studying the letters and other documents left behind by the Hittites, historians are able to gain a deeper understanding of the politics and culture of this ancient civilization.
But the story of the Hittites is about more than just war and conflict. These tablets also reveal details about everyday life in this ancient empire, from marriage customs to religious practices. They provide a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and yet vastly different from our own, a world where life was uncertain and people turned to their gods for protection.
“In Search of the Trojan War” is a fascinating exploration of this ancient conflict and the people who fought in it. By using a variety of sources, including these ancient clay tablets, the show offers a fresh perspective on a story that has been told countless times before. It’s a reminder that even the most legendary events in history are made up of countless individual stories, each with its own unique perspective and significance.