The Iliad is an epic poem by the ancient Greek poet Homer, which recounts some of the most important events of the last weeks of the Trojan War and the Greek siege of the city of Troy (also known as Ilium, Ilios or Ilium in antiquity). Written in the mid-8th century B.C., "The Iliad" is often considered the oldest work in the entire Western literary tradition and one of the best-known and most beloved stories of all time.

Through its description of the Trojan War, the stirring scenes of the bloody battle, the wrath of Achilles and the constant interventions of the gods, it explores the themes of glory, anger, homecoming and destiny. In addition, the Homeric epic has provided themes and stories for many other later Greek, Roman, and Renaissance writings.