~ 8th century BC ~
The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer and is considered to be one of the earliest and most significant pieces of European literature. Divided into 24 books, it is set during the Trojan War that took place between Mycenaeans and the Trojans. The book tells the story of notable events during the siege's final weeks, focusing on the quarrel between King Agamemnon and the celebrated warrior Achilles. The Iliad depicts critical themes, including glory, pride, fate, and wrath. It also offers a humanized representation of Olympian gods, as they intervene in disputes and help favored warriors on the battlefield. With its detailed descriptions of ancient battle tactics and fewer female characters, the book is often described as a masculine or heroic epic.