The Site of Troy - Essay Example

Project Troy Project Troy Introduction Troy is with no doubt among the most famous and revered archeological sites in the world. It gives a prelude into the origin and ancestry of early civilizations in the Mediterranean. The ancient Greek invasion of Troy also creates room for expansive creativity as demonstrated by various scholars over time. Discuss the scholarly assessment of the site of Troy The site of Troy is sometimes more mythical than pragmatic. The anecdotes surrounding its being tend towards legends than narrations of the truth as it is. Primarily, it is worth noting that Troy as a geographical region existed and can be objectively traced to a specific modern-day location. Inevitably, this is the first step towards dispelling the mythical allusions to its existence. Troy can be traced to the northwestern part of the Asiatic part of Turkey in the province of Cannakale (“Project Troia”, 2011). The physical features surrounding the site such as the rivers conform to the legendary allusions thus further confirming its historical authenticity. The size of Troy is a debatable subject. There is a wall that confines a particular area that researchers believe is the perimeter of the site. However, though there is not much evidence to the contrary, scientists feel that the actual site surpassed the walls. Current analysis of the distribution of surface finds and geophysical prospects are expected to yield sufficient proof and evidence to affirm the above claim. The site is associated with various wars and battles and the famous Trojan horses (“Project Troia,” 2011). Much as there is very little evidence of the same, scientists do not entirely dispel it as a mere rumor. Most of them are of the opinion that there is a particular historical truth behind the story and as such remains quite indispensable. The existence of fierce battles in and around the city at that time leads us to the logical conclusion that Troy may have been a natural fortress especially because of her geographical features. Briefly summarize what has been established about the historicity of the Trojan War The Trojan War is a hotly disputed phenomenon with some pundits dismissing it as a myth whereas others insisting that it is a true historical event. Modern thinking is of the opinion that the rumors that surround its existence bear some truth in them. There are a few findings to add weight to those claims. For example, the geographical location of modern day Troy seems to have the features that predispose it to a battle zone (“Project Troia,” 2011). The site of the location is found to differ remarkably to those of the environs and leaves it as a favorite for the supposed war. Another strong evidence is the Iliad that assumed the shape known to us at around 700 B.C. It occasionally refers to situations existent in the Late Bronze Age. The fact that the two accounts tend to coincide is an indication of some underlying truth. Moreover, science merges with traditional beliefs in as far as the location is concerned. It cannot be a mere coincidence that the exact place that the ancient Greek and Roman tradition pointed to be the spot is the same place that archeologists find to be as well. Finally, some buildings that are dated as far as the 13 c.B.C fit so well into the background happenings of the Trojan War as told in mythical legends. What type of work is currently underway at Troy? Currently, there are excavation activities at Troy and other concerted efforts to preserve the rich heritage of the site. In as far as excavation is concerned, Troy has got a significant role to play in creating the linkage between the ancestry of settlement in Anatolia and the Balkans (“Project Troia,” 2011). It could be the case that the same had been done in previous research analysis. However, the significance of modern research incorporates strong scientific approaches that guarantee certain results and to a higher degree of precision. The other wide range aim is to preserve the heritage of Troy. The immediate environment of Troy is of concern to the government. Over and above environmental preservation, there is also a need to gain insight into the evolution of ecology and climate in the neighboring areas coastal regions. So as to achieve success to that end, Troy practices the inclusion of various scientific disciplines to unravel the most efficient matrix of preservation. The interdisciplinary approach is informed by the fact that preservation is multifaceted and as such no single discipline possesses the monopoly of knowledge to carry out the purpose sole. In the same vein of preservation, plans are underway to construct a museum and a depot at Troy (“Project Troia,” 2011). The plans are already at an advanced stage with architectural firms having already finalized on the mapping and delivery of visual impressions. The intention to construct the museum is fully backed by the government and enjoys immense public support especially from the minister of culture and tourism. The move is seen as a strategic step towards consolidating Troy’s fortunes in the tourism sector. The other activities going on at Troy include mega research projects. For many years now, cooperative undertakings have been cherished between researchers and the Troy project. The cooperation cuts across personal aspirants to grand research institutions such as the University of Tubingen and Cannakale. The local tie-in between Troy and academia is seen as a healthy relationship that will provide future answers to present queries, as well as add to the glamor of Troy. Finally, there is a funds drive at Troy. Various stakeholders realize the significance of funds to drive the agenda of the site. Financial resources are required to publish the scientific findings. Sometimes, the money is even required to facilitate the research itself. More than that, sufficient preservation and presentation of the worldly famous cultural heritage requires financial resources and top-notch competence in management. In responding to this need, stakeholders have started what is now the Troy Foundation (“Project Troia,” 2011). The foundation was started to counter funds deficit in the event that public funding diminished to the level of stalling its activities. It is sometimes seen as a supplement to the budget. Does an awareness of the scientific study of this particular time period and place in the ancient world make a difference in the works of art we study in this unit? Awareness of the scientific study of the Troy project in the ancient world may make a difference in the works of art we study. Current studies are founded on understanding and beliefs of previous studies conducted. It is, therefore, a logical conclusion to assume that if new scientific methods alter the body of knowledge as it is known today, the premise for most of our artistic analysis will be effectively shattered. The natural consequence is to realign our line of thinking with new discoveries and inventions. For example, radiocarbon dating has revolutionized research and is capable of distorting previous beliefs and creating a new order in archeological perceptions. Conclusion Troy is one of the worldly famous cultural sites with a sensational prelude into the genesis of civilization. Several myths are constructed on the site some of which are an exaggerated fallacy and others actual accounts. More than being a tourist attraction, it also serves the role of a research center. Individual researchers and institutional ones have integral research projects running on the site to add to existing body of knowledge. Of great significance in the research process is the use of modern, sophisticated scientific approaches to capturing what earlier methods may have left out. Reference List Project Troia. (2011). Retrieved April 29, 2015, from http://www.uni- tuebingen.de/troia/eng/neues.html Read More