When Was The Iliad Written And Who Translated It First?

2025-07-20 12:48:12 167

5 Answers

Audrey
Audrey
2025-07-25 02:10:43
As someone who's deeply fascinated by ancient literature, I've spent countless hours diving into the history of 'The Iliad'. This epic poem is believed to have been composed around the 8th century BCE, though the exact date is still debated among scholars. It's traditionally attributed to Homer, but some argue it might be the work of multiple poets over time.

The first known translation into English was by George Chapman in the late 16th century, around 1598-1611. His version, 'The Iliads of Homer', was groundbreaking for its time and even inspired John Keats' famous sonnet 'On First Looking into Chapman's Homer'. Chapman's translation has a unique Elizabethan flair, making it a fascinating read for those interested in how classical works were interpreted during the Renaissance. Later translations, like those by Alexander Pope and Robert Fagles, offer different stylistic approaches, but Chapman's remains a landmark in literary history.
Lila
Lila
2025-07-22 05:32:57
I'm a history buff with a soft spot for epic poetry, and 'The Iliad' has always been a favorite. Most scholars place its composition between 750 and 700 BCE, during what's called the Greek Dark Ages. The first English translation wasn't until much later—George Chapman took on the challenge in the Elizabethan era. His version isn't just a translation; it's a reimagining that captures the spirit of Homer while adding his own poetic voice. It's fascinating to compare Chapman's work with modern translations like those by Richmond Lattimore or Emily Wilson, seeing how each era interprets Homer's timeless tale of war and heroism differently.
Violet
Violet
2025-07-22 01:52:37
For anyone curious about 'The Iliad', it's one of those works that's survived millennia. Written around 700 BCE, it's been translated countless times. George Chapman was the first to bring it into English, and his version has this dramatic, almost theatrical quality. Later translators like Robert Fitzgerald focused on making it more accessible to contemporary readers, but there's something special about Chapman's original take.
Theo
Theo
2025-07-21 18:31:31
I remember first encountering 'The Iliad' in college and being struck by its sheer age. Dating back to roughly the 8th century BCE, it's one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature. The first English translation by George Chapman in the early 1600s was a bold attempt to capture Homer's grandeur. Chapman's language is rich and ornate, full of the kind of flourishes that make you feel like you're reading a Shakespearean play. It's not the easiest version to read today, but it's a window into how the past viewed the past.
Simone
Simone
2025-07-26 14:29:20
As a longtime fan of classical literature, I've always been intrigued by 'The Iliad''s origins. Composed around 700 BCE, it was first translated into English by George Chapman, whose work stands out for its poetic license. Unlike later, more literal translations, Chapman's version is almost a collaboration between him and Homer, blending the ancient with the Elizabethan. It's a reminder that translation is as much an art as it is a science.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Written in the Stars
Written in the Stars
If you knew how your life would end, would you do something differently? Bruno didn't believe in fate, prophecies, or anything related to the future until that late afternoon when he and his friends were approached by a gypsy. He was completely skeptical until the gypsy sealed his fate: He would get married by the age of 24, have four children, become rich, but not by doing what he loves, nor through gambling. His father would pass away at 60 years old, two years younger than him. His destiny was linked to a young woman with brown hair, and all of this would happen only when Bruno met this woman. He promised himself never to fall in love with any woman with brown hair... And that remained true until he met Helena.
Not enough ratings
153 Chapters
Written by the moon
Written by the moon
Astrid, a strong-willed and determined young woman, is forced to return to her pack after a decade away. She has encountered animosity and bitterness, especially from her father, the alpha of the pack. Astrid has a hard time adjusting to her new life in the pack. She meets Kaidën, a mysterious and brooding person who seems to be hiding secrets, and she gets to see her childhood friend Evelyn again. Kaidën's mate, Xylara, is presented as a stunning but ruthless and cunning person. Under the full moon, Astrid and Kaidën have a tense but fascinating encounter. Astrid starts to suspect Kaidën is involved in the weird happenings in the pack. Astrid is left feeling shaken by her encounter with Kaidën. She meets Alpha Eric, her arranged mate, and is repulsed by his behavior. When Kaidën steps in, Astrid is drawn to him. Xylara's hostility toward Astrid becomes more and more obvious. When Xylara tries to suffocate her while she is sleeping, Astrid learns of her true motivations. Astrid also finds Lucas, a pack member, tied up and gagged. Astrid is warned to keep away by Kaidën, who is attempting to shield her from himself. Xylara's evil character is further revealed as Astrid starts to solve the pack's mysteries.
Not enough ratings
9 Chapters
Secrets Written in Light
Secrets Written in Light
In the eighth year of our secret office marriage, Marvin lit up every LED screen in Ocean City, just to make his little assistant smile. Amidst the well-wishes from everyone, the assistant cheerfully handed out gifts to the entire office. I casually tossed my gift into the trash. The assistant immediately ran to Marvin's office, tears streaming down her face, to report me. Moments later, Marvin, furious, suspended me from my position. As I walked out of the company building, Marvin's voice echoed from the loudspeakers on the top floor. "Celebrating Wendy's successful completion of her work, the gift is ready!" Wendy—was the assistant's name. As I watched the crowd rush past me, I calmly cut all ties with Marvin. This hidden marriage had come to an end.
10 Chapters
First
First
When Summer, who hates attention and dating, meets Elijah, little does she know her life is going to be turned upside down once the inevitable occurs. - Summer Hayes has everything one could ask for - an understanding family, the bestest best friend ever and good grades. Boyfriend? She hated that word. But when she meets Elijah Grey, she should have nothing to do with him since he is the type of guy she completely despises. Then approaches the history trip of the college which ends up bringing them together for a day, making her she realize that she doesn't want to stay away. And so does he. However, when all odds start turning against them, the choices Elijah is left with, leads to a heartbreaking story, one that is planned out well by their fates. But, will he be able to choose what's right with a realistic mind, even though that will snatch everything away from him...again? *** "FIRST" is the first thing I wrote before I started embarking on a journey of being a writer so please be kind with my newbie mistakes. TW: Contains unclean language. Not rated mature. WILL contains accidents and deaths and heartbreaks.
Not enough ratings
6 Chapters
 First Love
First Love
The First Love for 17 years old girl , He has to run away from home to save his love and family.
Not enough ratings
24 Chapters
First Kiss
First Kiss
Before, I believed in First Love, but my First Love was defeated with a First Kiss. And only the First Kiss can change everything."It's not something you see ... It's just how you feel it".
10
59 Chapters

Related Questions

When Was The Iliad Written And Who Was Its Author?

4 Answers2025-07-20 03:33:07
As someone who adores ancient literature, 'The Iliad' holds a special place in my heart. This epic poem was composed around the 8th century BCE, though the exact date is debated among scholars. Its author is traditionally credited to Homer, a legendary figure whose life remains shrouded in mystery. 'The Iliad' is a cornerstone of Western literature, depicting the Trojan War with unforgettable heroes like Achilles and Hector. The poem’s themes of honor, wrath, and fate resonate even today. Homer’s vivid storytelling and rhythmic dactylic hexameter make it a timeless masterpiece. Some argue it was part of an oral tradition before being written down, which adds to its allure. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of epic tales, 'The Iliad' is a must-read for its cultural and literary significance.

When Was The Iliad Written And Where Was It Set?

5 Answers2025-07-20 02:00:46
As someone deeply fascinated by ancient literature, I've spent a lot of time exploring 'The Iliad'. This epic poem is traditionally attributed to Homer and is believed to have been written around the 8th century BCE, though its origins might stretch back even further through oral traditions. The setting is one of the most captivating aspects—it unfolds during the final weeks of the Trojan War, primarily in the city of Troy and its surrounding areas. The vivid descriptions of battles, gods intervening in human affairs, and the emotional turmoil of characters like Achilles and Hector make it timeless. What’s intriguing is how 'The Iliad' doesn’t just focus on war but delves into themes like honor, fate, and the human condition. The geographical setting, near modern-day Turkey, adds a layer of historical allure. The poem’s influence stretches far beyond its time, shaping countless works of art, literature, and even modern storytelling tropes. It’s a cornerstone of Western literature, and its setting in Bronze Age Greece and Troy feels almost mythical yet grounded in real archaeological discoveries.

When Was The Iliad Written And What Language Was It In?

5 Answers2025-07-20 13:37:23
As someone who's deeply immersed in ancient literature, 'The Iliad' holds a special place in my heart. This epic poem is traditionally attributed to Homer and is believed to have been composed around the 8th century BCE, though some scholars debate whether it might be even older. It was written in Ancient Greek, specifically in a dialect called Homeric Greek, which has this beautiful, rhythmic quality that makes it perfect for oral storytelling. What fascinates me most is how 'The Iliad' captures the essence of human nature—pride, anger, love, and loss—through the lens of the Trojan War. The language itself is poetic and rich, filled with epithets and repeated phrases that helped bards memorize and recite it. Even today, reading translations gives me chills because you can still feel the raw emotion and grandeur of the original text. It's a masterpiece that transcends time, and I always recommend exploring different translations to appreciate its depth.

When Was The Iliad Written And Why Is It Important?

5 Answers2025-07-20 19:07:09
As someone deeply fascinated by ancient literature, I find 'The Iliad' to be one of the most monumental works ever penned. It was written around the 8th century BCE, though the exact date is debated among scholars. This epic poem, attributed to Homer, captures the essence of the Trojan War and human emotions like honor, pride, and wrath. Its importance lies in its foundational role in Western literature—shaping storytelling, ethics, and even modern military ideals. The characters, like Achilles and Hector, are timeless, embodying struggles we still relate to today. Beyond its literary genius, 'The Iliad' offers a window into ancient Greek culture, religion, and values. It’s not just about war; it explores themes of fate, mortality, and the gods' whims. The poem’s influence stretches from Virgil’s 'Aeneid' to contemporary adaptations like 'Troy.' Its vivid battle scenes and emotional depth make it a masterpiece that resonates across millennia. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of epic tales, 'The Iliad' is a must-read for understanding the roots of narrative art.

When Was The Iliad Written And How Long Is It?

5 Answers2025-07-20 10:06:15
As someone who adores epic tales, 'The Iliad' has always fascinated me. It's an ancient Greek epic attributed to Homer, believed to have been written around the 8th century BCE. The exact date is debated, but most scholars place it between 750 and 700 BCE. It's one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature, and its influence is undeniable. Regarding length, 'The Iliad' is quite substantial, with approximately 15,693 lines of dactylic hexameter. It's divided into 24 books, each packed with intense battles, emotional drama, and timeless themes like honor, fate, and the wrath of Achilles. If you're into mythology or epic storytelling, this is a must-read. The sheer scale of the narrative, from the Trojan War to the personal struggles of its heroes, makes it a masterpiece that still resonates today.

When Was The Iliad Book 1 Written?

5 Answers2025-07-07 18:44:26
As someone deeply fascinated by ancient literature, I've spent a lot of time exploring the origins of 'The Iliad.' Book 1, like the rest of the epic, is traditionally attributed to the poet Homer, believed to have composed it around the 8th century BCE. This was during the Greek Dark Ages, a period when oral storytelling was the primary means of preserving history and culture. The exact date is debated, but most scholars agree it was written down after centuries of oral tradition. What makes 'The Iliad' so captivating is how it reflects the values and conflicts of its time. The wrath of Achilles, the interference of the gods, and the themes of honor and glory all provide a window into ancient Greek society. The language and structure suggest it was meant to be performed, not just read, which adds to its timeless appeal. Even today, the emotional depth and dramatic intensity of Book 1 resonate with readers, making it a cornerstone of Western literature.

When Was The Iliad Written Compared To The Odyssey?

4 Answers2025-07-20 09:20:13
As someone who’s spent years diving into ancient literature, I find the timeline of 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' fascinating. Scholars generally agree that 'The Iliad' was composed first, around the 8th century BCE, possibly between 750 and 700 BCE. It’s the older of the two epic poems attributed to Homer and focuses on the Trojan War, particularly Achilles' rage. 'The Odyssey,' likely written a bit later, perhaps around 720-680 BCE, follows Odysseus' journey home after the war. The stylistic differences between them—like 'The Iliad’s' tighter focus on battle versus 'The Odyssey’s' adventurous, episodic structure—suggest Homer refined his craft over time. Some even argue 'The Odyssey' feels more polished, as if Homer had evolved as a storyteller. Interestingly, both works were part of an oral tradition long before being written down, which complicates dating. But the consensus is clear: 'The Iliad' came first, and 'The Odyssey' built on its legacy, offering a more personal, introspective look at heroism. If you’re into epic poetry, comparing their themes—honor versus homecoming—is just as rewarding as studying their origins.

When Was The Iliad Written In Historical Context?

5 Answers2025-07-20 16:35:30
As someone deeply fascinated by ancient literature, I find 'The Iliad' to be one of the most captivating works from antiquity. It's traditionally attributed to Homer, a poet whose life remains shrouded in mystery. Scholars generally place the composition of 'The Iliad' around the 8th century BCE, though some argue it could be as early as the 12th century BCE. This epic poem reflects the oral storytelling traditions of the time, passed down through generations before being written down. Historically, 'The Iliad' emerges during the Greek Dark Ages, a period following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization. The poem itself is set during the Trojan War, which likely occurred in the late Bronze Age. The gap between the war and the poem's composition suggests it was a way for the Greeks to preserve and mythologize their past. The language and themes in 'The Iliad' offer a glimpse into the values and struggles of early Greek society, making it a cornerstone of Western literature.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status