Odyssey's timeline

In this post you'll be able to see clearly the steps of Ulysses' journey and how long he spent in every spot of the Aegean Sea. 

Bear in mind that it tells of events that supposedly occurred in the Mycenaean period (XVII century BC - XII century BC) while Homer is said to have written them down in the Archaic period, around the 8th century BC. 

For this reason, it is impossible to find the dates on which each of the events narrated took place. However, we can know how much time Ulysses spent in the different stages of his journey because of the numerous time references he makes when telling his story. Moreover, this platform doesn't allow us to write numbers with less than four digits. Therefore, in this timeline the dates are arranged in this way, being the year 1001, the year in which the Trojan War begins, as it is the beginning of Ulysses' journey, even though it isn't even set in the right millenium

 

Timeline

Chronological table

Displaying 1 - 4 of 4
Date Event Created by Associated Places
1001 to 1010

Trojan war

In this picture we can see a square full of people who are watching the great horse that they were given as a present
Picture of the trojan horse

Ulysses spends ten years fighting in the Trojan war before he can start his homeward journey

Lucía García
circa. 1010 to circa. 1012

Adventures and trials to overcome

In this painting we can see circe sitting in her throne, with a powerful pose, surrounded by lions
Circe offering the cup to Odysseus- John William Waterhouse

Ulysses goes through the greatest trials, in which he will lose his men. In these two years, he has his quarrel with the Cicones, the Lotus eaters, the Cyclops, he goes to the island of Aeolus, he meets Circe, they escape from the Sirens and go to the island of Helios.

 

Lucía García
circa. 1012 to circa. 1020

Calypso

In this painting we see the bewitching nymph Calypso sitting on some rocks with her back naked
Calypso's isle- Herbert James Draper

For seven years, Ulysses is trapped on the island of the nymph Calypso, who falls in love with him and does not want him to leave. 

Lucía García
circa. 1020 to circa. 1021

Unimpeded return journey

In this painting we see the reunion of Ulysses and his son. While they hug, Athenea, the goddess who has been helpiing Ulysses all way long, stands after them watching the warm welcome of Telemachus
Odysseus and Telemachus- Lionel Royer

 In about a month and after the gods forgive his hubris, Ulysses ends up on the island of the Phaeacians, who, after hearing his story, help him to return home, where he can see his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus again. 

Lucía García