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.

After their departure from the Boeotian city of Aulis, the Achaeans finally faced the formidable fortifications of the Trojans. Indeed, to overcome them, they had gathered the largest army up...