---
title: The Epic Cycle: The Complete Trojan War Story
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20703/the-epic-cycle/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-07-24
---

# The Epic Cycle: The Complete Trojan War Story

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![The Epic Cycle: The Complete Trojan War Story](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20703.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20703.png)

## Image Caption

This infographic illustrates the Epic Cycle (Ἐπικὸς Κύκλος), a lost collection of ancient [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) epic poems that once narrated the full arc of the [Trojan War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Trojan_War/) and its aftermath, from the origins of the conflict to the heroes' returns. Though only fragments survive today, the Cycle was once seen as a comprehensive mytho-historical narrative surrounding [Troy](https://www.worldhistory.org/troy/).

Likely composed between the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, these poems, including the *Cypria*, *Aethiopis*, *Little [Iliad](https://www.worldhistory.org/iliad/)*, and *Nostoi*, complement [Homer](https://www.worldhistory.org/homer/)’s *Iliad* and *[Odyssey](https://www.worldhistory.org/Odyssey/)*, which are the only epics from the Cycle preserved in full. The others survive through summaries by later writers like [Proclus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Proclus/). The Epic Cycle reflects the oral traditions of [Archaic](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Archaic/) [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) and shaped the mythological canon of later [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/), drama, and art.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2025, July 24). The Epic Cycle: The Complete Trojan War Story. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20703/the-epic-cycle/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Epic Cycle: The Complete Trojan War Story." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 24, 2025. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20703/the-epic-cycle/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Epic Cycle: The Complete Trojan War Story." *World History Encyclopedia*, 24 Jul 2025, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20703/the-epic-cycle/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 24 July 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.