Review of In Search Of The Trojan War

Introduction

I always found history lessons at school really dull, blighted by lack of imagination and a pre-occupation with dates and statistics. It always came down to a `police style` report of events - rather than an emotive recounting that would fire the imagination. It was only later in life that I realised that history was …well, (in most cases) `real`. Once that strikes you, a thirst for knowledge follows that turns visits to old buildings and stately homes into exciting trips, and museums seem anything but fusty, rather a treasure trove of clues and hints that can fire the imagination.

This release from the BBC, Michael Woods`s second major outing in this style, really understands what brings history to life. Adopting a `historical detective` style, it`s rather like being a Watson to his Holmes as he combs through the details surrounding the mysteries of the Trojan War.

Originally broadcast in 1986 these 6 one hour programmes show little signs of dating, apart from the use of 16mm film for most locations, which is actually rather nice. After the initial success of `In search of the dark ages`, which was a great success for the Beeb, Woods turned his passion for answers to the legendary city of Troy - and ultimately to the question of whether the Trojan War ever actually happened or was merely the stuff of myth (propagated principally via Homer`s epic poem).

Woods has a likable on-screen style that really brings to life the atmosphere of the Bronze Age, as well as some of its more colourful heroes and villains. We see him (and the lucky crew) follow the trail from Berlin (where Schliemann`s treasures from his clumsy bull-dozing of the mound at Hisarlik are still kept, in pieces following the bombings of WW2), through to Greece, Turkey, and Ireland where Homer`s poem is a popular read today.

Perhaps most spooky is the revelation that many of the descriptions of the Greek islands found in Homer`s epic poem are still recognisable today, lending weight to the credibility of his account.

It would take you a year to cover the ground that Woods and Crew get through on our behalf, and this splendid package is worth a season of evening classes. It really is evidence of how powerful television can be.

Foe viewers in the US, this pack should be a special treat as up to ten minutes of each episode was cut on PBS to make way for ads. It`s difficult to imagine what elements were deemed less important! Here they are offered up in full-length versions.

The episodes included are:

THE AGE OF HEROES - which covers multitude of legends from ancient Greece, as well as reflecting how everyday life might have been for the people of this era and location.

THE LEGEND UNDER SIEGE - covers the various theories and expeditions by those who have sought to unravel the mysteries surrounding these myths and legends - as well as bringing about the birth of archaeology.

THE SINGER OF TALES - is a detailed biography of Homer (not the one that goes `Doh!` all the time) as well as an analysis of his epic poem `The Iliad`.

THE WOMEN OF TROY - this explores the evidence that suggests many Trojan women lived on the Greek Islands, probably as the result of abduction. This really adds to the evidence that suggests there was a war - and the Greeks were the victors.

THE EMPIRE OF HITTIES - explores the relationship between the Trojans and the Hitties as recorded on clay tablets, which gives further weight to Homer`s accounts.

THE FALL OF TROY - really draws all the evidence together to create a final hypothesis.

It`s probably worth noting that the BBC are also releasing a book to accompany this release that gives an update of findings since the series was aired, as well as a very comprehensive bibliography to let you get stuck into some more detailed research of your own.

Video

Perhaps the only element that will date this package, the entire set has been shot on 16mm, rather than more popularly used digi-video today. This gives it a charming air, and is a reminder of the latter end of the BBC`s halcyon years, before the Internet and cable TV came along and shook everything up. It`s a fine print though with the only signs of wear probably on the original takes (hair in the gate etc).

Audio

The audio mix here is classic BBC, with rich studio recorded voice-over replacing the on-screen location sound when Woods is not on screen. Music is tastefully added, as are discreet sound effects to better fire the imagination. Just what you`d expect.

Features

There`s little room here for extras, but we do get a rather nice 20-minute contemporary interview with Woods. It`s clear that he has lost none of his passion for his subject, and its` fun to hear him reflect on the pleasure that he had bringing the programme together. For once, a thoroughly likeable presenter!

Conclusion

This 2-disc set, containing a wealth of information that will ignite the imagination, represents excellent value for those with a thirst for knowledge. Michael Woods charming style, and obvious knowledge and passion for his subject, make him the perfect travelling companion for a journey that covers many locations and many topics. Edited in that gentle BBC documentary style, the programme is easy to watch and understand. Though never patronising or over simplifying, Woods is a straight talker. Recommended.