Although the Iliad typically features round shields, Hector, Agamemnon, and especially Ajax carry large shields described as being like towers. Ajax’s shield was enormous, made from eight ox hides. Hector’s...

The friendship between Achilles and Patroclus was especially strong for another reason: Patroclus’ father, Menoetius, was the brother of Peleus, Achilles’ father, meaning they were first cousins.