Greek mythology explains world events and promotes unified Greek culture. Ancient Greeks worshipped approximately 3,000 gods. Myths were passed down orally before being written down
Heinrich Schliemann developed a lifelong passion for Troy from childhood. He learned multiple languages in a year before pursuing archaeology. He traveled through Turkey with a copy of Homer's "Iliad"
Three divine blacksmiths: Arges, Steropes, and Brontes. Sons of Uranus and Gaea, imprisoned by Cronus. Forged Zeus' thunderbolt and other gods' weapons. Worked for Hephaestus in Mount Etna. All three died: Hermes killed Arges, Apollo killed Steropes and Brontes
Troy was inhabited for 4,000 years until earthquakes destroyed it in 1300 CE. Hisarlik was widely believed to be the site of ancient Troy. Nine cities and 46 levels of occupation have been unearthed
Ancient Greeks flourished from 1600-1100 BC around the time of Moses. Mycenaean people originated in Caucasus region between Black and Caspian seas. These cultures were influenced by Sumerians and invaded India simultaneously. Greek legends celebrate war, unlike peaceful pre-Mycenaean agricultural societies