The Trojan War: A New History

Barry Strauss
39 pages1-hour read
Nonfiction
Book
Adult
Published in 2006

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Book Brief

Barry Strauss

The Trojan War: A New History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Classic Fiction
Period
Classical Period
Setting

Troy • Bronze Age

Theme
Marriage
Topic
European History

•

Military & War

•

World History
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Trojan War: A New History, Barry Strauss re-examines the Trojan War through the lens of new archaeological evidence and Bronze Age culture, placing the conflict 500 years before Homer. The text explores motivations behind the war, draws on primary sources like Hittite texts and human remains, and re-contextualizes the epic in the context of contemporary customs, warfare practices, and literary comparisons. Topics include war-related violence and enslavement.

Informative

Contemplative

Mysterious

Adventurous

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

2,275 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Barry Strauss's The Trojan War: A New History offers a fresh perspective on the ancient conflict, combining historical evidence with literary analysis. Praised for its engaging writing and accessible approach, it is a valuable read for both scholars and general audiences. However, some critics argue it sacrifices depth for readability. Overall, it's a compelling synthesis of history and myth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Trojan War: A New History?

Readers who enjoy immersive historical narratives and the epic tales of ancient civilizations will love The Trojan War: A New History by Barry Strauss. Perfect for fans of Mary Beard’s SPQR and Stephen Greenblatt’s The Swerve, this book offers a fresh perspective on legendary events with scholarly precision and accessible prose.

3.9

2,275 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Key Figures

A central Greek hero known for his unmatched prowess in battle, pivotal in the defeat of Troy and famed for slaying the Trojan hero Hector.

A Trojan hero, son of the goddess Aphrodite, who plays a key role in the defense of Troy and is noted for his subsequent journey and founding a new lineage.

The Greek king and supreme commander of their forces, leading the charge against Troy to reclaim Helen and uphold Greek honor.

Also known as the "Lesser Ajax," a Greek warrior distinguished for his ruthless actions during the war.

Known as the "Greater Ajax," a formidable Greek warrior noted for his strength and bravery, who fights alongside Achilles.

The devoted wife of Hector, remembered for her wisdom and her sorrowful fate following the war.

A Trojan elder who favors peace and negotiation, often depicted as sympathetic to the Greek cause within the city of Troy.

A war prize of Achilles who becomes a source of conflict between him and Agamemnon, impacting the Greek morale and strategy.

A seer in the Greek camp at Troy, whose prophecies guide many strategic decisions for the Greeks throughout the war.

A Trojan princess and prophetess known for her unimpeachable foresight that is tragically ignored by her people.

A captive woman whose return is demanded by her father, a priest of Apollo, sparking tension among the Greek leaders.

A Trojan ally whose superhuman abilities make him a notable figure in the battle against the Greeks.

A Trojan prince and brother of Hector, who plays a role in the defense of Troy following Paris’s abduction of Helen.

A valiant Greek hero and king of Argos, known for his daring exploits against both mortals and gods on the battlefield.

A Trojan scout whose capture and interrogation by Greek warriors assist them significantly in their war efforts.

King of Thebes-under-Plakos and father of Andromache, remembered for his respectful treatment by the Greeks.

A leader of Trojan allies who joins the war effort late, contributing to the defense of Troy.

The leading Trojan warrior whose bravery and dedication to his city stand as a testament to his noble character.

The queen of Troy, who serves as a poignant representation of maternal and royal anguish due to the war.

Her abduction by Paris initiates the conflict; she is known for her extraordinary beauty and complex portrayal in mythology.

A Trojan prince and seer whose prophecies have significant influence over the course of the war, guiding key events.

The daughter of Agamemnon, known for her sacrificial role which underscores the moral complexities faced by the Greeks.

A Trojan priest whose fate serves as a cautionary tale against ignoring prophetic warnings.

A prominent Trojan ally from Aethiopia, who plays a crucial role in the conflict towards its climax.

The aggrieved husband of Helen who seeks to reclaim his wife and restore his honor, playing a critical role in the Greek camp.

The son of Achilles, known for his involvement in the decisive moments leading to Troy's downfall.

A wise and experienced king who offers crucial counsel to the Greeks amidst the trials of war.

A cunning Greek hero famed for his strategic acumen, instrumental in devising the plan to breach Troy's defenses.

The Trojan prince whose actions catalyze the war; renowned for his charm and fatal decisions impacting Troy's fate.

A close companion of Achilles whose role in the battle deeply influences the morale and actions of the Greek forces.

A skilled archer who, despite initial setbacks, becomes essential to the Greeks' ultimate success in the war.

A Trojan counselor whose well-advised caution is often disregarded by Hector to disastrous results.

The aged and venerable king of Troy, whose leadership faces the ultimate test against the invading Greek forces.

The first Greek warrior to set foot on Trojan soil, marking the beginning of the combat that defines the epic.

A valiant ally of the Trojans and son of Zeus, contributing significantly to the Trojan defense.

A Greek operative whose deception facilitates the ultimate Greek strategy to infiltrate Troy.

King of Mysia, known for his connection to the mythological hero Heracles and the tragic fate of his son Eurypylus.

A talented Greek archer, noted for his contributions to the Greek siege efforts and familial ties to Ajax.

A vocal critic within the Greek camp, embodying the internal strife and dissension among the warriors.

A Greek combatant and leader of forces from Rhodes, sharing in the larger Greek cause.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Classic Fiction
Period
Classical Period
Setting

Troy • Bronze Age

Theme
Marriage
Topic
European History

•

Military & War

•

World History
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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