In what year was the Illiad published, and who was the author?

English · College · Tue Nov 03 2020

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The "Iliad" is an ancient Greek epic poem traditionally attributed to the poet Homer. It was not "published" in the modern sense; it was composed and transmitted orally, likely around the 8th century BCE. The first written version of the "Iliad" would have been produced after the development of the Greek alphabet, presumably in the 8th or 7th century BCE. The exact date of composition and its transition to written form are subjects of scholarly debate, but it is generally believed that the work was created in the late 8th or early 7th century BCE.

The "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" are the two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer, who is considered one of the greatest poets of antiquity. The "Iliad" is set during the Trojan War and focuses on the Greek hero Achilles and his anger toward King Agamemnon. Although Homer's historicity and existence have been debated, his works have had a monumental influence on Western literature.

Homer’s poems were part of the oral tradition and were passed down through generations before being transcribed. Therefore, his works have not been "published" in the way we understand the term today. The term "publication" typically refers to the process of producing and distributing written or printed works for public sale or distribution, which is a much more modern concept. The transition of the "Iliad" from oral recitation to written form was a significant moment in literary history, reflecting the wider adoption and standardization of the Greek alphabet.

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