In 1868, an ancient relic known as the Mesha Stele — an inscribed three-foot-tall black basalt stone tablet that dates back to 9th century B.C. — was dug up in Dhiban, Jordan.

Mention the Trojan War, and what may first come to mind is the oft-told tale of Helen, wife of Sparta’s King Menelaus and possessor of a divinely bestowed beauty, falling in love with Paris of ...