Final answer:
The Trojan War's origins are explored through a combination of historical texts like Homer's Iliad and archaeological evidence, with Heinrich Schliemann's excavation providing tangible support. Herodotus' historiographical methods also contribute to our understanding, while cultural works like 'Trojan Women' reflect the war's lasting impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scholarly explanation regarding the origins of the Trojan War and its historicity stems from both archaeological discoveries and ancient writings. Notably, Heinrich Schliemann's excavations in the 19th century uncovered what many believe to be the site of ancient Troy, validating to some extent the descriptions found in Homer's epics. Classical texts, such as the works of Herodotus who is often referred to as 'The Father of History', also contribute to our understanding of the Trojan War. Herodotus applied his theory of history by examining political and social pressures to explain historical events like the Trojan War. The essence of these narratives has persisted through time, influencing various forms of cultural expression, such as the play 'Trojan Women' by Euripides, which to this day is used to explore themes of warfare and its effects on humanity.
In essence, while the historical Trojan War may not have played out exactly as Homer's tales describe with gods and mythical monsters, scholars agree that there is a strong likelihood that the stories were based on a real conflict during the Late Bronze Age - a period marked by warfare among city states. Modern archaeology alongside historical texts suggests that the Iliad and the Odyssey likely preserved the memory of ancient conflicts and societies, albeit in a poetic and embellished form.