In this episode, we uncover the first nine years of the Trojan War—before the glory of the Iliad. While the epic battles and heroism of Achilles and Hector steal the spotlight in the story we know, the years leading up to that moment were filled with hardship and suffering. The Trojans, trapped behind their fortified walls, struggled to hold their ground, while the Greeks faced their own set of challenges, unable to break through Troy’s defences. 

As we dig into these early years, we’ll explore key questions like: 

• What was the strategic position of the Trojans at the start of the war, and how did they manage to survive for so long? 

• How did the Greeks struggle during the prolonged siege of Troy, and what hardships did they face? 

• What methods did the Greeks use to sustain their forces, and what impact did these raids and foraging expeditions have on the surrounding villages? 

• And how did the capture of Briseis, a pivotal moment in the conflict, fuel the bitter rivalry between Achilles and Agamemnon? 

Join us as we explore the untold stories of the first nine years, setting the stage for the epic battles to come, and revealing the true cost of war beyond the clash of swords.