The Iliad

The Iliad, one of the oldest and most significant works of ancient Greek literature attributed to Homer, is an epic poem composed of 24 books written in dactylic hexameter. Set during the final weeks of the Trojan War, it portrays crucial events and conflicts, including a notable quarrel between leading figures, against the backdrop of a ten-year siege. Originally performed orally by rhapsodes, the poem is a key part of the epic tradition and is regarded as a foundational piece of European literary history.