The Trojan War: A New History

Homer writes that the first Greek to land was killed by a Trojan. Hector is described as an expert and enthusiastic fighter by Homer, while Priam is wise yet frail. The Greeks feast and provision at Lemnos before landing at Troy. Agamemnon initially underestimates the size of Troy’s coalition army. Though outnumbered, the Greeks are skillful fighters, and enjoy an accompanying psychological advantage as the aggressors.

Protesilaus is the first Greek to land, but is swiftly slain by Hector, who leads the Trojan forces. The Greek victory of this first battle is marked when the famous warrior Achilles kills Cycnus, a Trojan whom the Epic Cycle credits with superhuman powers. The Greek infantry press forward and the Trojans fall back. The Greeks loot the armor of the fallen, pray to the gods, and establish camp. They bury Protesilaus near Cape Helles, within view of Troy. King Priam is left to strategize.