Dares Phrygius: the story on HearLore

Medieval Latin Transmission History

A Latin manuscript titled De excidio Troiae historia circulated widely throughout the Middle Ages. Medieval scribes attributed this work to Cornelius Nepos and dedicated it to Sallust. Linguistic analysis suggests the language fits the 5th century AD rather than the time of Nepos. Historians remain unsure if the existing text abridges a larger Latin volume or adapts a Greek original. This version became the primary source for medieval accounts known as the Matter of Troy. It often appeared alongside similar works by Dictys Cretensis in printed collections.

Archaeological Versus Literary Accounts

Dares Phrygius claims that 866,000 Greeks died while 676,000 Trojans perished in the war. These massive casualty figures appear nowhere in modern archaeological findings at the site of Troy. Excavations have uncovered no evidence suggesting a conflict of such enormous scale ever occurred there. The literary account describes a total annihilation that contradicts material remains found by archaeologists. Scholars use these discrepancies to distinguish between mythic storytelling and historical reality regarding ancient conflicts.

Frankish Nationalist Adaptations

Merovingian Gaul saw the complete reworking of Dares' history into the Historia de origine Francorum during the 8th century. This new text claimed the Franks descended directly from the Trojan people. Authors attributed this Frankish genealogy to Dares himself to lend it authority. Nurgül Kıvılcım Yavuz notes this adaptation served specific political purposes within the Frankish kingdom. The narrative shifted focus from Greek tragedy to establish royal legitimacy for Germanic tribes ruling Europe.

Who is Dares Phrygius according to Homer's Iliad?

Homer mentions a Trojan priest named Dares Phrygius in the fifth book of his Iliad. The text lists him among warriors killed during the conflict at Troy.

When was the Latin manuscript De excidio Troiae historia written?

Linguistic analysis suggests the language fits the 5th century AD rather than the time of Nepos. No historical record confirms he actually wrote such a work.

How many Greeks and Trojans died according to Dares Phrygius claims?

Dares Phrygius claims that 866,000 Greeks died while 676,000 Trojans perished in the war. These massive casualty figures appear nowhere in modern archaeological findings at the site of Troy.

Why did Merovingian Gaul rework Dares' history into Historia de origine Francorum?

What is the Norse version of Dares called in Trójumanna saga?

The saga refers to Dares as Meistari Dares throughout its unique narrative structure. It identifies Roman gods like Saturnus and Jupiter with Norse figures such as Frey and Thor.

Dares Phrygius.

Medieval Latin Transmission History

Archaeological Versus Literary Accounts

Frankish Nationalist Adaptations

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