‘An Imaginary Troy’: Homeric Pilgrimage, Topography and Archaeology

A fierce debate over the authenticity of Troy and its relevance to Victorian society erupted in 1873, challenging the practical value of Homeric pilgrimage. The controversy highlighted societal skepticism toward classical antiquity, contrasting it with more tangible historical resources like Druidical standing stones. This debate gained unexpected significance when Heinrich Schliemann's excavations at Hisarlik revealed Priam's treasure shortly after, exposing the irony of the Chancellor's decision to deny funding. The study examines this pivotal moment in British cultural history, illustrating how public discourse on archaeology and literature intersected with political and economic priorities.

(Ed.). ‘An Imaginary Troy’: Homeric Pilgrimage, Topography and Archaeology. Troy, Carthage and the Victorians, 47–124. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108131605.003