Troy, also known as Troya in Spanish, is an ancient city located in modern-day Turkiye. It gained significant historical and archaeological importance due to its mention in Greek mythology and the famous Trojan War, as described in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad.
Everybody knows the Troy movie which was about a story in Greek mythology. In the movie, Two emerging nations begin to clash after Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband, Menelaus, and sail with him back to Troy. The war lasts for 10 years and the soldiers are very tired now. They offer the Trojan horse as a gift and hold the white flag to end the war, but they almost placed an army inside the huge horse and conquered the castle from the inside. The original Troy Horse in the movie is located in Canakkale Province. After using it in the movie TROY, the 12.4-meter-long Trojan Horse brought from Japan in 2004 was put on display in Canakkale. Here are some key points about Troy and its UNESCO World Heritage status:
Historical Significance: Troy was an important city during ancient times, situated at the strategic entrance to the Dardanelles Strait. Its exact location was initially a mystery until it was discovered and identified by the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century.
Trojan War: According to Greek mythology, Troy was the site of the Trojan War, a legendary conflict between the Greeks and Trojans. The war was sparked by the abduction of Helen, the wife of Menelaus, by Paris, a prince of Troy. The Greeks, led by Agamemnon, laid siege to Troy for ten years before finally conquering the city.
Excavations and Discoveries: Heinrich Schliemann began excavations at the site of Troy in 1870 and uncovered several layers of the city, each representing a different historical period. The most famous remains are from what is believed to be the Troy of the Trojan War, known as Troy VI and Troy VII.
In 1998, the archaeological site of Troy was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was recognized for its outstanding universal value as an archaeological site that provides important insights into ancient civilizations and the cultural exchange between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean regions.
Troy Archaeological Site: The archaeological site of Troy is located near the village of Tevfikiye in the Canakkale Province of Turkiye. It covers an area of about 130 hectares and includes several layers of the ancient city, dating back to different time periods. Visitors can explore the ruins, including defensive walls, houses, temples, and a theater.
Troy Museum: In 2018, a new museum dedicated to the ancient city of Troy was opened near the archaeological site. The museum displays a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to Troy's history and the Trojan War. It provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the site's significance and the cultural heritage of the region.
Troy continues to be a site of fascination and attracts tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world who want to explore the ancient ruins and learn about its rich historical and mythological background.
