Was the Iliad True? Archaeology's Search for Homer's World (Two Parts)

Were Homer’s epic poems a myth, or did they describe real historical events? This two-part lecture series dives into the question of Homer's authenticity, comparing key passages from the Iliad and the Odyssey with the latest archaeological evidence from Greece.

We'll analyze Homer’s vivid descriptions of palaces, armor and burial rites against the backdrop of the Mycenaean Bronze Age (c. 1600-1100 BCE). Emphasis will be placed on recent, groundbreaking discoveries that bring Homer’s passages to light. By linking the epic poems' memory of a heroic age with the material reality unearthed by modern excavations, this course explores how a seemingly mythical tradition may preserve the "kernel of truth" from a magnificent, lost civilization.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Register

Register by 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9