The Iliad
Translation, Notes, and Introduction by Barry B. Powell
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Given its central role in Ancient Greek culture, various poignant moments in Homer's The Iliad can be found on the drinking cups, water jars, mixing bowls, vases, plates, jugs, friezes, mosaics, and frescoes of ancient art. Each depiction dramatizes an event in the epic poem in a different way (sometimes inaccurately).
Posted on December 14, 2013
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Homer's The Iliad is filled with references to the gods and other creatures in Greek mythology. The gods regularly interfere with the Trojan War and the fate of various Achaean and Trojan warriors. In the following slideshow, images from Barry B. Powell's new free verse translation of The Iliad by Homer illustrate the gods' various appearances and roles throughout the epic poem.
Posted on December 7, 2013
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Every generation and culture needs its own version of The Iliad -- one that capture the spirit of the original for a contemporary audience, whether Alexander Pope's rhymed verse of the 18th century or dense Dickensian prose of 19th-century translations. Barry B. Powell's new free verse translation of The Iliad was written with the modern English speaker in mind, and with the idea that the language Homer uses was colloquial and accessible to his contemporaries.
Posted on November 23, 2013
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The ancient Greeks were enormously innovative in many respects, including art and architecture. They produced elaborate illustrations on everything from the glory of the Parthenon to a simple wine cup. Given its epic nature and crucial role in Greek education, many of the characters in the Iliad can be found in ancient art. From the hero Achilles to Hector's charioteer, these depictions provide great insight into Greek culture and art.
Posted on November 16, 2013
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In the first book of The Iliad, Homer calls for a muse to help him recount the story of Achilles, the epic Greek hero of the Trojan War. The poet begins his account nine years after the start of Trojan war, with the capture of two maidens, Chryseis by Agamemnon, the commander of the Achaean Army, and Briseis by the hero Achilles.
Posted on November 9, 2013
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The Iliad was largely believed to belong to myth and legend until Heinrich Schliemann set out to prove the true history behind Homer's epic poem and find the remnants of the Trojan War. The businessman turned archaeologist excavated a number of sites in Greece and Turkey, and caused an international sensation.
Posted on November 30, 2013
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While The Iliad is a fictional tale of the Trojan War between the Trojan and Achaean warriors during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1500-1200 BC), it is set in a real location: the eastern Mediterranean, along the Aegean Sea. We present a brief slideshow of maps from Barry B. Powell's new translation of the ancient epic, which illustrate the geographic regions mentioned, from towns and cities, to character origins, and even allied battle grounds.
Posted on November 2, 2013
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