The events that occurred before the events depicted in Homer's epic poem "The Iliad" are part of a larger mythological and historical narrative known as the "Trojan Cycle" or the "Epic Cycle." While the specific details and versions of these stories can vary, here is a general overview of the events that took place before the events of "The Iliad":
1. Judgment of Paris: The mythological origin of the Trojan War can be traced back to the Judgment of Paris. Paris, a Trojan prince, was tasked with deciding which of the three goddesses—Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—was the most beautiful. He chose Aphrodite, who promised him the love of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world.
2. Abduction of Helen: Helen, the wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta, was abducted by Paris and taken to Troy. This act of abduction sparked the anger and resentment of the Greeks and became the main cause of the Trojan War.
3. Greek Gathering and Preparation: Menelaus, along with his brother Agamemnon, rallied the Greek chieftains and kings to assemble a large force and sail to Troy to reclaim Helen. This gathering of Greek forces, known as the Achaean or Greek expedition, marks the beginning of the Trojan War.
4. Prophetic Warnings: Before the war, several prophetic warnings and omens were given, predicting the calamities and hardships that would befall the Greeks and Trojans during the war. Prophets and seers like Calchas, Helenus, and Cassandra played significant roles in foretelling the events to come.
5. Preliminary Battles and Heroic Feats: Before the full-scale war, there were various preliminary battles and heroic feats on both sides. For example, the Greek warrior Achilles engaged in battles and conquests, gaining fame and reputation.
These events set the stage for the events depicted in "The Iliad," which primarily focuses on the final year of the Trojan War and the epic conflict between the Greeks and Trojans.