The Iliad

If you loved

The Iliad

Homer · Book · 2020

What hooked you in The Iliad was the way the crushing weight of fate and grand-scale warfare forces individuals to confront their own mortality.

Start with the source

The Song of Achilles

Inspired by

The Song of Achilles

Madeline Miller · Book · 2012

Films on the same thread

Troy

Troy

Wolfgang Petersen · Film · 2004

Like The Iliad, this film centers on the brutal collision of civilizations and the personal vendettas that drive men to seek glory and honor amidst the devastation of war.

The Mummy

The Mummy

Stephen Sommers · Film · 1999

This adventure mirrors the mythological scope of The Iliad by bringing ancient curses and the wrath of long-forgotten figures into a world where human heroes must face divine-like threats.

Gladiator II

Gladiator II

Ridley Scott · Film · 2024

Much like the tragic cycles of The Iliad, this story follows a hero driven by rage and the pursuit of a legacy, forced into violent conflict by tyrannical power structures.

The Iron Claw

The Iron Claw

Sean Durkin · Film · 2023

While set in a modern ring, this drama echoes the familial tragedy and intense brotherhood found in The Iliad, showing how external expectations can lead to a devastating, fated downfall.

Series on the same thread

Blood of Zeus

Blood of Zeus

Charley Parlapanides · Series · 2020

If you appreciated the divine interference and epic scale of The Iliad, you will find this exploration of demigods and the war between Olympus and the titans highly resonant.

The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom

Stephen Butchard · Series · 2015

This series captures the same interplay between fate and free will found in The Iliad, grounding epic battles and political shifts in the personal identity crises of its warriors.

Chernobyl

Chernobyl

Craig Mazin · Series · 2019

This account of catastrophe reflects the somber tone of The Iliad, highlighting the sacrifice and heroism of individuals caught in a disaster far greater than any single human life.

Rome

Rome

Bruno Heller · Series · 2005

Fans of The Iliad will recognize the intricate power struggles and betrayal that define this historical epic, depicting the collapse of old orders through the lens of individual lives.

Podcasts on the same thread

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History

Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2025

This podcast explores the same questions of human nature and civilizational collapse that permeate The Iliad, providing a deep, analytical look at how history is shaped by powerful, flawed men.

CounterClock

CounterClock

Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025

Much like the investigative spirit of The Iliad, this series attempts to unearth the truth of a past tragedy, seeking justice and clarity amidst the shadows of historical mystery.

Keep exploring

Common questions

Is The Iliad suitable for readers interested in the Trojan War?

Yes, The Iliad is a foundational text centered on the Trojan War. It vividly depicts the horror, heroism, and intense emotions of men and gods as they battle amidst destruction, ultimately leading to the tragic conclusion of the conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans.

Should I read The Song of Achilles after finishing The Iliad?

Reading The Song of Achilles is a logical next step for fans of The Iliad. Published in 2012, this adaptation reimagines the events and characters found within Homer's ninth-century B.C. epic, providing a modern perspective on the classic tale of the Trojan War.

What is the historical origin of The Iliad?

The Iliad dates back to the ninth century B.C. Attributed to Homer, this timeless poem remains a significant literary work that captures the devastation of the Trojan War and the complex interactions between mortals and gods during that ancient period.

Is The Iliad focused on the entire Trojan War?

The Iliad focuses on specific events during the Trojan War rather than the entire decade-long conflict. The poem moves inexorably toward the wrenching, tragic conclusion of the war, highlighting the intense battles and the profound struggles of the men and gods involved.

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