Are the Names Troy and Ilion Related to the Albanian Word?

The ancient city of Troy has captivated scholars and historians for centuries, and in modern discourse, there are debates about its connection to various languages and cultures. One such discussion centers around the names Troy and Ilion, and whether they are related to Albanian words. This article aims to clarify these questions and provide insights based on historical and linguistic evidence.

The Historical Context and Names of Troy

According to ancient Greek mythology, the city of Troy was named after two figures: Troas and Ilos. The first is attributed to a Thracian prince who founded the city, while the second is the ancestor of the Trojans in Greek mythology. The neighboring Hittite civilization referred to the city as Truwia or Taruia, indicating that the original name may have been Luwian in origin. This aligns with the understanding that the names Troy and Ilion are Hellenized variations used by the ancient Greeks.

Linguistic Analysis of the Names

Examining the linguistic roots of the names, it becomes clear that Troy and Ilion share no direct connection with Albanian words. The Albanian word Troje is used to mean "to eat," and Yilli does not align with Ilion. Therefore, claims that these names are Albanian are unfounded and baseless. The Albanian term Yilli can also mean "our star," but its relation to Ilion is coincidental and does not substantiate any historical or linguistic ties.

Challenges in Connecting Words Across Languages

Attempts to connect Troy and Ilion with Albanian words highlight the importance of a rigorous approach to linguistic and historical analysis. Nationalist sentiments and selective interpretation of language can often lead to erroneous conclusions. For instance, many attempts to link Albanian words with ancient names in Greek mythology are driven by a desire to assert historical or cultural connections where there may be none.

The Dissemination of Knowledge on Troy

The knowledge about Troy and its names is largely derived from Greek mythology, which served as the primary source for ancient historians and archaeologists. Greek historians like Herodotus and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are the main records that have been transmitted through the centuries. Furthermore, the site of ancient Troy was not extensively studied until James Stuart began his excavations in the 19th century, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the city's history.

Conclusion

While it is natural for linguistic connections between words to be intriguing and debated, it is crucial to base these connections on accurate and verifiable evidence. The names Troy and Ilion are firmly rooted in ancient Greek mythology and Hellenized culture, and should be treated as such. Albanian words like Troje and Yilli, while interesting, do not offer any genuine connection to the names of the ancient city of Troy. Historical and linguistic research must prioritize evidence over emotional or nationalist arguments.

Further reading on Troy in English can be found here.