Best guess is that in approximately 7200 BC there was a big political conflict that arose between two great states of similar neighboring cultures that lasted approximately 10 years by whatever the measurement of time was then used in antiquity. Let us all assume there was about 25 years in the full circle of events from start to finish. There was no Internet then, so it took several years at best-guess to collect all the updates on conflict; what had happened and who would not be coming home or coming home immediately and whose heroics would be revered through time.
While the thought of initial aggression might have been brooding in the egos of the rival leaders who sought conquest of new territories for several years, the single act of treachery arose like a bonfire of pure hatred. It was told that the Trojans had kidnapped a very special woman, a Spartan queen named Helen; the ancient text about the war for her retrieval is the Greek scholar-philosopher-writer Homer’s Iliad (the epic that describes the Trojan War). Was the war entirely about a woman? Romantics in most western societies would like to think so, but it was more likely the desire to control more coastline and resources of the known world. Who as a leader of a country or culture, even now, doesn’t try to do the same?
The Trojan War involved the most complete warrior of the time, an equally balanced counter-hero, and a famous ruse regarding a symbolic horse used to ultimately change the fate of the kingdoms of Greece and Troy. The well-regarded hero of this tale from the depths of written history was Achilles, the mortal warrior who was dipped into the river Styx (a conduit between here and the hereafter) to protect him from harm. His mother reportedly held him by the heel of his left foot as he was baptized in the holiest water of ancient beliefs. The result was the greatest warrior of ancient time who was seemingly unstoppable and his allegiance (most of the time) was with the Greek contingency. He ultimately fell to the smallest of punctures to the heel that had not been coated by the magic shield bestowed by the gods of Olympus.
What are the enemies of the modern foot? It certainly isn’t an arrow, but it’s now most commonly the invasion of fungus that affects the toenails and foot tissue, causing discoloration, nail separation, and adverse nail growth. This condition is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium. While the condition probably existed for centuries, we don’t believe that the condition was as relevant back in the days of Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. Today in Orange County, CA, Dr. Kleis DPM has the most specialized modern practice of Podiatry Specialty in Costa Mesa, CA that can treat this condition quickly and safely with no extended recovery time besides the time of the treatment visit.
The counter-hero or true hero (depending on what side of the wall you stood) was Hector, the first son of King Priam of Troy. He fought to defend the honor of his kingdom and prevent the crushing love of his younger brother Paris for Helen from destroying mighty walls of the city. While Paris and Helen made their way across the Aegean Sea, they and the thousand ships that chased after them spun the story of the war and a multitude of new stories to tell forever. It is told that the city of Troy embraced Helen as one of their own because the general consensus was that LOVE brought her to their kingdom and that there had not been a kidnapping as the Greeks claimed. In acceptance of that love and awareness of the Greek disagreement in the story, the Trojans prepared themselves for a legendary-decade long siege that challenged their wits and their beliefs as it must also have challenged the opposition. Greek champions, seamen, province kings, and 1000s of general army soldiers fought for ten years outside the Troy walls.
From various sieges, the Greek dead included the great warrior Ajax, the young Patroclus, King Menaleaus (Helen’s legal husband) and hundreds of others during futile sieges against a fortified city with an army of near equal size mounted atop the walls. The most feared warrior Achilles had a dispute with the Greek King Agamemnon and hence declined to involve himself or his men in the battle for a considerable time. In a near stalemate, Patroclus led an assault disguised in Achilles armor to support his Greek brothers. It was upon that pivotal incident and Patroclus’ death at the hands of Hector that Achilles reunited himself with the Greeks. A formal challenge was issued for Achilles to fight the Troy champion in single hand-to-hand battle to ultimately end the war.
So Hector fought against Achilles, and after his defeat he was dragged by chariot around the city as proof of the Greek (or Achilles’) superiority. Troy both royalty and common people remained more determined in the defense. After 10 years of fighting, what was the point of surrendering? The Trojans still held the high-ground so they declined to acknowledge defeat.
The ultimate victory of the Greeks over the city of Troy represents one of the greatest battle tricks of antiquity. Legend says it was the ruse of departure and surprise attack of the city, accomplished by leaving a sculpted horse on the shore-line that appeared an offering to one or more of the gods of the time. The people of Troy brought the horse into the walls of their city and with it a contingency of hidden warriors who opened the gates to permit the full attack while the city celebrated the enemy’s departure. Troy as a kingdom, city, and fertile hub of the region (now Turkey) was completely devastated.
Solve modern foot unsightliness before it inhibits you. Dr. Kleis, DPM is located in Costa Mesa and maintains state of the art equipment to help the modern foot achieve its best appearance and eliminate fungal problems. Call (714) 760-4944 to consult or set up an appointment for state-of-the-art non-narcotic laser technology that will restore beauty to your feet. Make your feet look great in any sandal or stiletto.
The legacy of Achilles in life and battle filled the evening story-telling (in the days before media) over several millennia and his demise ultimately came to represent individual weakness – a person’s “Achilles heel” or kryptonite in contemporary imagery is the facet that makes one susceptible to defeat. Entwined with him was the legend of the Trojan horse that likewise came to represent its own legacy; the horse was embodiment of the potential deception and hazard in embracing what seems too good to be true. Its legacy moved forward to modern technology in its becoming a name for a type of computer virus that invades computer systems.
In the late 17th Century, as the science of human anatomy and physiology was committed to documentation and print, Achilles name became associated with tendo magnus or chorda Hippocratis both referring to the largest tendon in the human body that connects the lower calf muscles to the heel of the human foot. With all well intentions of identity, an Achilles heel still holds the added literary definition of “a point of weakness.” It might be said that his name has become immortal by its usage in language in both forms.
Don’t let ugly feet be your undoing or your Achilles heel! Dr. Kleis, DPM is located in Costa Mesa, CA. Call (714) 760-4944 to consult or set up an appointment for state-of-the-art non-narcotic laser technology that will restore beauty to your feet. Consultation is available for other problems of the feet as well.
To any champions of our day and time, an injury to the Achilles tendon is a threat to career and livelihood. For all others this particular part of the anatomy is what provides daily propulsion (in the form of walking), and the simple heel-to-toe rhythm of our gait can be confounded by weakness or injury here or in the associated muscles in unified operation with the Achilles “heel.” There are thousands who have made their way into history by achievements with their feet and perhaps their heart in striding to success with determination. Modern sports medicine and podiatry concentrate on keeping the modern person (not just super athlete or celebrity) upright and walking both proudly and fashionably.
Our modern society’s Achilles heel is that we tire of lingering issues and schedule complications because we put such a high premium on the value of time. Dr. Kleis DPM has the most specialized modern practice of Podiatry Specialty in Costa Mesa, CA and the practice’s professional staff completes the non-narcotic laser technology treatment within one’s appointment expectation.
The last that was heard about our ancient romance was that Helen disappeared with the Trojan prince and that all things about the city and kingdom fell. Troy was razed and the Greeks sailed back to Greece with vastly weakened leadership and fewer ships after a decade long battle. History wishes them well as they were all in fact the fruit of fabulous stories and legacies that have been passed down through the ages and still dwell with us today.