Nine Troys

The ancient city of Troy infamous from it's Hollywood movie appearance and it's fabled Trojan Horse, has quiet a more complex history that can be broken down into nine distinct Troy's.

I. 3000-2500 B.C. During the beginning of the Early Bronze Age the first fortress of Troy was established. Trade was primarily conducted between the Aegean and Anatolia.

II. 2000-2300 B.C. During the Early Bronze Age a Citadel was built on top of the fortress of Troy I. Trade was conducted with Southeast Anatolia, Aegean, Syria and Mesopotamia. Due to a sudden conflagration the people of Troy fled the city.

III. Troy was resettled with an increase in hunting practices and trade with the Aegean and Central Anatolia.

IV. 2100- 1900 B.C. During the end of the Early Bronze Age Troy was made into a larger settlement. This period also saw a change in trade partners, now trading with Greece, Cycladic, Near East and Central Anatolia.

V. 1900-1700 B.C. During the transition from Early to Middle Bronze Age. Trade continued with the Aegean and Anatolia but also begins with Cyprus.

VI. 1700-1250 B.C. A new fortress is built and trade resumes with Greece, Crete, the Aegean, Cyprus and Central Anatolia. A devastating earthquake destroys Troy VI.

VII. Troy can be divided into 2 settlements VII A and VII B

             VII A. 1250-1180 B.C. During the Late Bronze Age Troys trading partners include the Aegean,                     North Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Cyprus and Syria. Another conflagration ruins the city.

           
              VII B. 1180-1000 B.C. During the transition into the Iron Age Troy is now trading with Greece and Southeast Europe until yet another conflagration occurs leaving the city ruined once again.

VIII. 900-85 B.C. The Greeks settle Troy and Alexander the Great visits until it is destroyed by the Roman Empire.

IX. 85 B.C. - 5^th Century A.D. Troy remains under Roman rule

It seems apparent that this city was never meant to be and has been the site of destruction and ancient legends. Today the site remains an active archaeological dig where the layers of the nine Troys are still being unearthed and studied in attempt to put to rest some of the legends that remain.