Historia destructionis Troiae

work by Guido delle Colonne

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June 29, 2026

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The Historia destructionis Troiae (History of the Destruction of Troy) is a Latin prose work completed around 1287 by Guido delle Colonne. It is considered a significant text in the transmission of the Troy legend to medieval Europe.1

Guido delle Colonne's work is thought to be a condensed version of the French romance Roman de Troie by Benoît de Sainte-Maure. This Latin account became widely translated and influential, particularly in Italy and England. For instance, William Caxton translated it into English, publishing it as The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye, which was the first book printed in the English language. The Historia destructionis Troiae provided a popular narrative of the Trojan War for audiences who were not familiar with Homer's epics.12

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Guido Delle Colonne
…Guido’s poetry, however, is his Historia destructionis Troiae (“History of the Destruction of Troy”), which he completed about 1287. Thought to be a condensed version of the French Roman de Troie by Benoît de Sainte-Maure, Guido’s work was widely translated throughout Europe. William Caxton, the first English printer, translated it…
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…Guido’s poetry, however, is his Historia destructionis Troiae (“History of the Destruction of Troy”), which he completed about 1287. Thought to be a condensed version of the French Roman de Troie by Benoît de Sainte-Maure, Guido’s work was widely translated throughout Europe. William Caxton, the first English printer, translated it…
Read More