Can you solve the Trojan War riddle? - Dennis E. Shasha

TED-Ed2 minutes read

A 10-day truce in the ongoing Trojan War is threatened when a rival god disrupts the peace by convincing a Trojan camp to break Greek connectivity. The Fates predict the camp's location near the battlefield's perimeter, and with only 2 swaps allowed, strategic movements prevent the disruption and maintain peace for the final 5 days.

Insights

  • The Trojan War has been ongoing for 10 years, with a 10-day truce agreed upon under the condition that breaking it will lead to 10 more years of war, highlighting the delicate balance between peace and prolonged conflict.
  • Strategic camp arrangements, based on the Fates' instructions, play a crucial role in maintaining peace during the truce, showcasing the significance of spatial positioning and tactical maneuvers in preventing disruptions and upholding stability.

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Recent questions

  • How long has the Trojan War been ongoing?

    10 years

  • What must be arranged for peace to prevail during the truce?

    Camps in specific patterns

  • How many moves are required to achieve the strategic camp arrangement for peace?

    6 moves

  • How many swaps are allowed to prevent the disruption of peace?

    2 swaps

  • How many more years of war will follow if the truce is broken?

    10 years

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Summary

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"Trojan War Truce: Strategic Camp Swaps"

  • The Trojan War has been ongoing for 10 years, with both sides desperate for a break. A 10-day truce is agreed upon, with the condition that if peace lasts, the war will end, but if broken, 10 more years of war will follow.
  • The Fates reveal that for peace to prevail, the Greek and Trojan encampments must be arranged so that each side can reach their own camps without passing through the enemy's, and neither side completely surrounds the other. Swapping camps in specific patterns can achieve this in 6 moves.
  • A rival god disrupts the peace by convincing a Trojan camp to break Greek connectivity. The Fates predict the camp is near the battlefield's perimeter, and only 2 swaps are allowed to prevent the disruption. By strategically moving Trojan camps, the troublesome camp is blocked, maintaining peace for the final 5 days.
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