Which events in the Trojan War does the Iliad cover?

The Iliad does not recount the entire Trojan War; rather, it focuses on a few crucial weeks during the 10th and final year of the conflict. The narrative is driven by the wrath of the Greek warrior Achilles following a quarrel with Agamemnon over the maiden Briseis.12

Key events covered in the poem include:

• Achilles' Withdrawal: Insulted by Agamemnon, Achilles withdraws from the fighting, leading to significant Greek losses as the Trojans, supported by divine intervention, push the Greeks back to their ships.1
• The Death of Patroclus: Distressed by the Greek suffering, Achilles' companion Patroclus enters the battle wearing Achilles' armor but is killed by the Trojan prince Hector.1
• Achilles' Return and Vengeance: Consumed by grief and rage, Achilles reconciles with Agamemnon and returns to the battlefield, where he eventually kills Hector in single combat.1
• Conclusion: The epic concludes with the ransoming of Hector’s body by King Priam and the subsequent funeral laments for the fallen hero.1

The poem does not depict the fall of Troy or the use of the Trojan horse, which occur after the events described in the Iliad.13