Trading Places (and Things)

Many scholars of Homeric Epic like to argue whether or not the Iliad depicts any historical accuracy from the Bronze Age. Was there really a Troy ruled by Priam? Was there ever a Trojan War? How accurate are the depictions of traditions and culture within the epic in regards to the historical context into which they are placed? Scholars will debate back and forth about the historical value of the text, but one historical component within the epic that is perhaps possible to authenticate is that of trade. Although it is only mentioned a handful of times in the epic, the information could be useful to determine historical accuracy, and possibly historical insight, into Mediterranean trade during the Bronze Age.

Trade is mentioned in a few different places in the poem. It is mentioned casually as if the activity of trade is not novel, and the poem even portrays wealthy trade centers, such as Egypt (9.392-94). We catch a glimpse into an economics of trade: a bartering system, specific goods that are exchanged (7.486-89), trade routes (7.481-2), as well as trade frequency (9.73-75).

What are the implications of the inclusion of trade in the epic? Trade tends to leave behind archaeological evidence of all sorts. If scholars are searching to validate any historical accuracy within the Iliad, they must simply look for clues about trade from the Bronze Age. What evidence, if any, of Bronze Age trade do we have? Was the type of trade depicted in the epic possible during that era? Were the trade centers mentioned in the Iliad actually trade centers at the time of the supposed war? 

Trade mentioned within the Iliad will in no way validate the historical accuracy of the epic as a whole. However, it could validate one specific piece of historical representation, and in turn possibly shed light onto the characteristics of Bronze Age Mediterranean trade culture. 

Pledge: Michaela Knipp