‘What if We Had a War and Spectacle(s) of warGreek epicEpicGodsSpectacle(s) of warGazeAchillesEverybody Came?’ : War as Spectacle and the Duel of War (ancient)Spectacle(s)DuelIliadIliad 3The arguments advanced in this chapter form part of a book-length study in progress, based on my doctoral dissertation. In the longer study I argue that throughout the Iliad the gods’ role as a viewing ‘audience’ for the spectacle at Troy reflects in complex ways the ongoing experience of Homer’s own, listening audience, who participate in and react to the Iliad as a live event. Since this is a project of many years, it would be impossible to thank here all those who read and critiqued earlier versions of work that became part of this chapter. However, I would like to thank especially: Elizabeth Irwin, Deborah Steiner, Katharina Volk, and my wife, Nina Papathanasopoulou, each of whom made countless invaluable suggestions over a long period of time. I would also like to thank Anastasia Bakogianni for her dedicated editing work, and the other participants at the War as Spectacle conference at The Open University for their warm collegiality.

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