Troy (Turkey)

Troy, the legendary ancient city in modern-day Turkey, was immortalized by Homer's Iliad as the site of the Trojan War. This strategically located Bronze Age capital flourished from 3000 BC to 500 AD across nine distinct settlement layers. Archaeologists confirm Troy's existence at Hisarlik, where massive defensive walls and evidence of repeated destruction align with Homer's epic. The city controlled vital Black Sea trade routes, accumulating wealth that made it a target for Greek armies. Today, its rediscovered ruins—including the famous Scaean Gate and possible "Treasure of Priam"—reveal a sophisticated citadel that blended Anatolian and Mycenaean cultures, proving myth and history intertwine at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.