the name of an ancient epic poem, the first and finest of those composed by Homer.

The poet's design in the Iliad was to show the Greeks, who were divided into several little states, how much it was their interest to preserve a harmony and good understanding among themselves; for which end he sets before them the calamities that befell their ancestors from the wrath of Achilles, and his misfortune-handling with Agamemnon; and the advantages that afterwards accrued to them from their union. The Iliad is divided into 24 books or rhapsodies, which are marked with the letters of the alphabet.