Iliad: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos and Videos

An infographic describes The Iliad. The poem centers on Greek warrior Achilles, depicted as a young soldier. The Iliad explores themes of heroism, anger, honor, and war. It features Greek gods, including Athena, goddess of war; Apollo, god of music, healing, light, and prophecy; and Zeus, the chief god. Insets depict Athena as a woman with a crown of leaves; Apollo as a young man with long, curly hair; and Zeus as an older man with dark curly hair and beard.

Ancient Greek vase painting showing Achilles in armor kneeling to bandage the arm of Patroclus, who is also dressed as a warrior, both seated within a circular border.

Was the city of Troy real or a myth?

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Beowulf Odyssey: A Reader’s Guide to Homer’s Epic Mahabharata Ramayana Kalevala La Chanson de Roland Shāh-nāmeh Nibelungenlied Ramcharitmanas Cantar de Mio Cid

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Homer: Introduction

Portrait of Plato (ca. 428- ca. 348 BC), Ancient Greek philosopher.

An Odyssey of Grecian Literature

The Procession of the Trojan Horse into Troy from Two Sketches depicting the Trojan Horse, about 1760, Oil on canvas, 38.8 x 66.7 cm, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (Giandomenico Tiepolo). From the National Gallery, London. Inv. no. NG3319

The Trojan War Quiz