Ithaca: Fact or Fiction?
The rugged and mountainous island of Ithaca is forever linked to Homer’s epic, the Odyssey. While its exact location might not be common knowledge, Ithaca and Odysseus are practically synonymous.
Literary and Historical Evidence Points to Ithaca
Despite limited surviving ancient writings, there’s no strong case against the current Ithaca being Homer’s. From centuries after Homer, philosophers like Aristotle and writers like Plutarch all referred to the island as Ithaca. Excavations even unearthed coins mentioning “The State of Ithaca” and “Odysseus,” further solidifying the connection.
The Debate Heats Up: Where is Homer’s Ithaca?
The Roman geographer Strabo first mentioned doubts about Ithaca’s location in ancient texts (now lost). In recent centuries, archaeologists and researchers have debated the island’s true identity. Some proposed other Ionian islands like Cephalonia or Corfu, while a few believed it vanished into the sea or existed only in Homer’s imagination.
Unearthing the Truth: Archaeological and Textual Evidence
Starting with J. Paulmier de Grentesmenil in the 17th century, a long line of researchers investigated Ithaca. William Gell (1806) pioneered scientific studies, proposing that Aetos ruins were the ancient city. Many 19th-century archaeologists followed, finding areas matching Homer’s detailed descriptions.
Opposing Theories and Geographic Discrepancies
The German scholar Dorpfeld (1927) argued for Lefkada as Homer’s Ithaca, with Ithaca being the Homeric “Same” and Cephalonia being “Doulichium.” However, this theory clashes with Homer’s geographical descriptions: the narrow channel between Ithaca and Cephalonia becomes a vast open sea, and Ithaca’s position is closer north than the nearby island (Cephalonia). Additionally, Lefkada was a peninsula back then, contradicting Homer’s portrayal of Ithaca as an island.
Distinctive Traits: How Ithaca Fits the Bill
Homer describes Ithaca as having “distinctive limits,” “sea from both sides,” being “narrow,” “small,” “rocky,” and unsuitable for horses. Only today’s Ithaca possesses this unique combination.
Enduring Legacy: Names and Locations
Remarkably, Ithaca’s name has remained constant for millennia, even under conquerors who gave it other titles. Many places on the island still retain their ancient names, even during periods of population decline. These locations hold special significance, as some witnessed events from the Odyssey, meticulously described by Homer.
A Compelling Case for the Real Ithaca
This condensed overview highlights the arguments supporting the current Ithaca as Homer’s Ithaca. The following section on Archaeology will explore excavated objects that further solidify this connection.
Sources
- Ithaca Then and Now- Spyros Dendrinos Publications, Spyros H. Dendrinos – Alekos F. Kallinikos
- HOMER AND ODYSSEUS, Spyros Dendrinos Publications
- Maps © by: Friends of Homer
