Troy VIII-IX (700 BCE-500 CE)
This incarnation of Troy was more of a sanctuary site. The city's name also changed to Ilion at this time, and the city was now farther from the coast due to the silting of the River Karamenderes (Scamander). The site became important again with the circulation of the Iliad and Odyssey by Homer. The prestige associated with the Troy of the past led to city-states and empires desiring a connection to it. The Temple to Athena would be the focal building for these last phases of Troy but the site had other areas of cult worship to heroes or other gods. In 324 BCE, Alexander would visit and make Troy an official city (polis). Coins were first minted at Troy during this period.
While the elevation of Troy to a city could be viewed as the start of Troy IX, most scholars consider the start of IX after it was attacked by the Roman general Fimbria in 85 BCE. After this incident, Rome took responsibility for reconstructing the whole city, as they traced their ancestry to Troy. Troy would become larger than previous incarnations, but it still functioned primarily as a religious center. This level of Troy had the newest Temple of Athena, baths, theatres, and other major projects to elevate Troy’s status. The Emperor Augustus was a staunch supporter of this reconstruction program. Earthquakes once again caused the end of Troy.
Troy VIII-IX Architecture
Roman Theater
The first theater at Troy is dated to the 4th century BCE. The theater was updated throughout Troy's history, and this version could be dated to the Flavian period (69-96 CE).
Troy VIII-IX Finds
Troy VIII Cup
Shape 7 (see chart below). East Greek Ware. This vessel, from the Archaic period (650-480 BCE), represents the Lekanis style. This two-handed bowl-shaped vessel would have had a lid and could have been used for storage. This one has three panther-like animals along the sides.
Rider Plaque
This rider plaque was another popular dedication in the Western Sanctuary. It is unknown with what cult it could be associated, but Brian Rose suggests it could be the Trojan hero Dardanus.