Iron in the homeric epics & homer, a sensible ecologist

Abstract

The present research shows that iron metallurgy was greatly developed during the geometric period and influenced Homer to such an extent, that he refers very often to this metal either as an indication of wealth, or as an important material for hard tools and weapons. What is more, Homer was impressed by its magical property to harden when (a) transformed into steel by carbonization and (b) subject to heat treatment of the latter. No other metal possesses these unique properties. In this work, the author refers to this magical metal as appears in the Homeric epics. Finally, he states the revolutionary effect of iron on a rapid development of mankind during the 1st millennium BC onwards. In the second part of the present, Homer appears to be a sensible ecologist, blaming both Achaeans and Trojans for the enormous ecological disaster they inflict to the environment.