It is widely regarded as one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature and continues to be read and studied by modern audiences. The poem is set during the Trojan War, focusing on a brief period in the conflict, specifically the wrath of the Greek hero Achilles.

Written in dactylic hexameter, a form of verse commonly used in ancient epic poetry, the Iliad is divided into 24 books. Its narrative does not cover the entire Trojan War but zooms in on the intense and dramatic events occurring in the tenth year of the conflict. The central theme revolves around Achilles' anger and its consequences, not only for him but also for the Greek and Trojan armies. The poem explores themes of honor, glory, revenge, and fate.

The Iliad portrays key figures such as Hector (the Trojan prince), Agamemnon (the Greek leader), Priam (the Trojan king), and the gods who play an active role in influencing human events. The gods' intervention highlights the concept of divine influence on human affairs, and their quarrels reflect the internal conflicts among the Greeks and Trojans.

While the Iliad primarily focuses on the heroic code and the tragedy of Achilles' anger, it also explores the cost of war, particularly the sorrow, loss, and suffering it causes for all involved, whether victorious or defeated.

The Iliad is a foundational text in the study of Greek mythology, ancient literature, and epic storytelling, and it continues to offer timeless insights into human nature, heroism, and the complexities of war and honor.