How has The Iliad contributed to our notion of civilization?

I think that one way Homer's work has contributed to our
notion of civilization is through its storytelling merits.  Homer's story is a great
one, replete with challenges from Gods, struggles between human beings, and ensuring
that human problems are powerfully compelling and yet seen in an accurate context in
terms of their impact on others.  Within this storytelling element arises some
wonderfully rich characters.  Achilles as a brooding, yet skilled warrior is contracted
with the honor- bound, yet sad Hector.  These two characters have helped to configure
where human consciousness can lie and how tragedy can be seen as an inseparable part of
the human experience.  The book is also powerful in reflecting how a society based off
of war is not one to be glorified.  It is difficult to gauge if this was Homer's intent,
but the work stands out as one of the most defiantly anti- war writings.  It reflects
how societies that are based off of war are doomed to fail, and in doing so, almost
repudiates the Classical standard of warfighting as being socially
acceptable.