Homer’s Odyssey, the epic Greek poem, may be based on a real king -Credit:Getty Images
(Getty Images)
In a groundbreaking archaeological dig, researchers believe they have uncovered the original Greek sanctuary of the Trojan war hero Odysseus.
Named one of the “most significant” finds on a Greek island in years, archaeologists believe they found an ancient place of worship devoted to the legendary literary hero Odysseus.
Excavations unearthed the structure on the Ionian island of Ithaca. The site – known as the “School of Homer”- was home to a tile bearing Odysseus’ name. This led researchers to believe they had found an old temple or place of worship, according to The Greek City Times.
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The Greek Ministry of Culture said the discovery was one of the most important archaeological breakthroughs in recent years.
Researchers also found a range of religious material, like ceramics and artefacts, which they believe were offerings to the Greek hero.
These religious objects date from the Mycenaean period from 1600 to 1100 BC, through to the Hellenistic era, which ended in 31 BC, making this an incredibly long-standing site.
The sanctuary of Trojan War hero Odeysseus has been uncovered on a Greek island -Credit:GREEK MINISTRY OF CULTURE
Academics believe the Mycenaean materials may predate Homer’s composition of The Odyssey in the eighth century BC, suggesting they were directly inspired by Ithaca’s legendary king Odysseus.
The Hellenistic artefacts showed just how long this worship of Odysseus lasted. Moreover, the shrine overlooks the sea, possibly in memory of his mystical journey across the sea.
In Homer’s epic, which is the story for Christopher Nolan’s epic coming out this year, Ithaca is Odysseus home that he endeavours to return to after his ten-year war. However, it takes him another ten years to reach home.
One of the oldest pieces of literature, the Odyssey is split across 24 books, and continues to lay the groundwork for many adventures and epics today, with the major plot points mimicked in modern films and books.
His wife Penelope and son Telemachus presume he is dead whilst he navigates sirens, one-eyed monsters, and drug-induced apathy.
Homer’s other great work, the Iliad, is also one of the world’s oldest literary works, recounting the 10-year siege of Troy by the Greeks.
However, this temple does not provide clear evidence that Odysseus did in fact exist. Instead, it shows just how intertwined Greek history and ancient religion are with these texts and legends.
Last year, archaeologists found new evidence of a submerged ancient port in the ancient Greek city of Asini, near the coastal village of Tolo on the Peloponnese peninsula. The excavations suggest structural remains that offer new insights into Mediterranean maritime history.
The most notable discoveries included ceramic fragments, including amphora pieces embedded in stone structures and a broken vessel in an area known as “Sector 4A.”
The remains of a Mycenaean-era settlement are located on a rocky hill known as Kastraki, near the modern village. Excavations were carried out by Swedish archaeologists in the 1920s.
