1. The City's Defenses:
* Strong Walls: Troy was known for its massive, thick walls, built with stones and fortified with towers, making it difficult to breach.
* The Scaean Gate: The main entrance to the city was heavily guarded and designed for close combat, with a narrow passage and a steep incline leading to a gatehouse.
* The Trojan Horse: The Trojans, initially, believed the giant wooden horse left by the Greeks was a gift and brought it inside their walls. This turned out to be a ruse, and ultimately allowed the Greeks to win the war.
2. The Trojans' Skill and Determination:
* Warrior Culture: The Trojans were fierce warriors, known for their courage and fighting skills. They were highly motivated to defend their city and their families.
* Divine Intervention: They were supported by powerful gods, particularly Aphrodite, who had a vested interest in their victory.
* Strategic Location: Troy was strategically situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding plain, giving them an advantage in defensive operations.
* Seafaring Greeks: The Greeks were reliant on their ships for supplies and had to contend with the challenges of a sea voyage.
3. The Greeks' Internal Conflicts and Delays:
* Jealousy and Quarrels: The Greek army was plagued by internal conflicts, jealousy, and quarrels, which hindered their strategic planning and effectiveness.
* The Wrath of Achilles: One of the key figures in the Greek army, Achilles, withdrew from battle after being insulted by Agamemnon, further weakening the Greek forces.
* Lack of Unity: The Greeks were a coalition of city-states, and maintaining unity and coordination was difficult.
4. The Length of the Siege:
* Ten Years: The Trojan War lasted for ten years, putting a strain on the Greek's resources and morale. This long and drawn-out conflict made it increasingly difficult to maintain motivation and sustain the war effort.
The combination of these factors made the siege of Troy a protracted and difficult undertaking for the Greeks. It was a testament to their tenacity and determination that they eventually triumphed, but at a heavy cost.