Map of Modern Troy

• According to Greek mythology, Zeus had become king of the gods by overthrowing his father Cronus.

• Zeus wasn’t faithful to his wife, Hera, and ended up having a lot of children.

• Myth has it that the three Goddesses of Olympia fought over a famous golden apple with the following inscription,Tēi Kallistēi, To the fairest.

• The apple was claimed by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Eventually, Zeus ordered Hermes to lead the three goddesses to Paris, a prince of Troy, who would determine which of the goddesses was most worthy of the apple.

Paris’ Fatal Decision and the Downfall of Troy

• The goddesses tried to bribe Paris into making his decision.

• Athena offered Paris wisdom, skill in battle, and the abilities of the greatest warriors.

• Hera offered him political power and control of all of Asia.

• Aphrodite offered him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta.

• Paris awarded the apple to Aphrodite,

• On a diplomatic mission to Sparta, Paris fell in love with Helen.

• Menelaus had to leave for Crete, to bury his uncle Crateus.

• Paris with Aphrodite's help, kidnapped Helen, and sailed to Troy carrying off part of Menelaus' treasure.

• The Trojan War was waged, according to legend, against the city of Troy in Asia Minor , by the armies of the Achaeans after Paris of Troy stole Helen from her husband Menelaus, king of Sparta.

• The Greeks won many important battles.

• The Trojan hero Hector fell, as did several of the Tojan’s neighboring allies.

• However, the Greeks could not break down the walls of Troy.

• Patroclus was killed and, Achilles was felled by Paris.

Helenus Ideas to Win Against Troy

• Pyrrhus, Achilles' son, fought in the war.

• The bow and arrows of Hercules were used by the Greeks against the Trojans.

• The remains of Pelops, the famous Eleian hero, were brought to Troy.

• The Palladium, a statue of Athena, was stolen from Troy• These were all done some way or another.

• Still seeking to gain entrance into Troy, clever Odysseus, ordered a large wooden horse to be built. Its insides were to be hollow so that soldiers could hide within it.

• Trojans celebrated what they thought was their victory, and dragged the wooden horse into Troy.

• After most of Troy was asleep or in a drunken state, Sinon let the Greek warriors out from the horse, and slaughtered the Trojans.