Troy

Troy, city of ancient northwestern Asia Minor, near the Dardanelles, described in Homer's Iliad and rediscovered by Heinrich Schliemann in 1870. The earliest site (Troy I) dates from 3000 B.C. Troy II contained an imposing fortress and had wide trade contacts. Its famous treasure of gold, copper, and bronze indicates a wealthy community. Troy VI (2000–1300 B.C.) had a citadel surrounded by huge limestone walls and large houses built on terraces; it was destroyed by earthquake. The rebuilt Troy Vlla was probably Homer's Troy. It was looted and destroyed by fire (c.1250 B.C.). Troy VIII was a small Greek village. Troy IX was the Greek and Roman city of Ilium, or Ilion.

See also: Trojan War.