Can archaeology ever truly prove that a myth is a historical fact?
From the House of David to the tomb of St Peter, archaeological finds often spark claims that legend has been validated. This lecture by Jonathan M. Hall examines why using science to prove or disprove myth is fundamentally flawed.
Archaeological discoveries, such as the 'Amazon' burials in western Russia and Ukraine or the fortifications of Romulus in Rome, are frequently cited as evidence that mythical traditions are historically accurate. However, Jonathan M. Hall argues that these triumphalist claims misunderstand the nature of myth. Because myths exist in many different versions and do not rely on literal truth to be effective, they cannot be simply proven or disproven by physical remains.
The lecture explores the complex relationship between archaeology and myth, focusing specifically on the long-standing controversy regarding the historicity of the Trojan War.
Source: Jonathan M. Hall | Archaeology and Myth: Some Reflections
