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My history of ancient Greece was taught by one of the premier Byzantine scholars who was Greek by birth. We read Schliemann's Troja in its English translation.

This post refers to Homeric Ithaca and its location re: Troy. Well Ithaca was in the Greek archepelgo and Troy was in Asia Minor. Not the same place.

Schliemann did find Troy and the arguments ever since are which of the 11 cities, one on top of the earlier one was Homeric Troy?

Schliemann was brought up to be a trader. His father was a wealthy Belguin Trader and left the family business to Schliemann. Schliemann was well educated to fill his role. He spoke, read and understood many languages including Classical Greek and Latin. He increased the family fortune by selling war supplies to both sides during the Crimean War. Once his wealth had increased enough to satisfy his needs he gave the business to his son and set off to find Troy.

He funded the expedition and searched the northwest corner of Turkey. He found many geological clues which had been documented in Homers Illiad. For instances, the Greek army needed supplies and water and the Ilyiad mentiones natural springs and farms which could be looted for food and animals. A Turkish farmer led him to columns which were on his land and Schliemann excavated the podium and discovered the Greek letters ÁÎÇÉËËÅÓ which spelled Achilles!!!!! If this was Achilles tomb then Schliemann knew he was in the right area.

The farmer mentioned that a nearby hill, locally known as the hill of Hisarlik had some Roman Ruins on its crest. Schliemann explored the hill and knew that, since ancient times, many towns were built on top of the ruins of older towns.

Schliemann, being well read in the techniques of archeology, decided to dig in a regimented manner as outlined by that premier American Archeology, Thomas Jefferson!

You might enjoy reading Schliemann's story. It's much more exciting than a piece of fiction. Remember, Schliemann's love of history led him to Troy because he "believed" the story that the Iliad was true. It was written in the third century BC and set down a story that had been passed on for over 700 years by word of mouth. After the Iliad you should read the Odyessey for the wrap up of the story of the Greeks returning home after the sack of Troy!