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http://www.utexas.edu/courses/wilson/ant304/projects/projects97/bairdp/homer.htm
The Troy That Homer Knew
The city of Troy (Troy VI-VIIa) which Homer speaks of in his epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, lasted from 1800 until 1250 B.C.E. In his writings, Homer described Troy using standard epithets - a “well-walled,” “broad” city with “lofty gates” and “fine towers,” one capable of holding a large population. Unfortunately, these descriptions have no unique value to historians; his descriptions are simply stock phrases and are not to be taken seriously.
Some of Homer’s phrasings, however, speak specifically of Troy and lend historical content to the epic. Frequently, Homer refers to the Trojans as “horse tamers” or as “having fine foals,” a description singular among all the cultures Homer describes in his works. Perhaps Homer’s unique characterization of these people reflects beliefs widely held in his day - that the Trojans were excellent horsemen and horse-breeders.
Later in his story, he details the layout of the town, giving explicit locations of Priam’s palace, a temple to Apollo, and an agora where the citizens met. Homer depicts Troy as a sizable city with towering walls and an expansive acropolis. His rendering of Troy should also be taken with a grain of salt, however. The vision of Troy Homer puts forth contradicts the findings of archaeologists and historians.
In reality, the city of Troy was not as grand as the expansive metropolis of which Homer speaks. Troy served as a royal citadel, with approximately 100 people living in the city and just over 1000 living along the perimeter. Ultimately, scientists have concluded that Troy served as little more than a walled palace...
So, who’s gunna tell him the bad news?