Though we will never know definitively if the Greek figures of Achilles or Patroclus ever actually existed in human history, the war in which they fought is part of the historical record.
That said, the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is often painted as that of a close friendship (even in Hollywood), but in many of the Classical Greek writings about these two (namely by Plato, Aeschylus, and Pindar), it is the romantic bond between the two that shines through and helps us better understand why Achilles demanded a fight with Hector outside the Trojan walls.
During the Trojan War, Achilles fought alongside the Greeks but also had his misgivings about the actions of Agamemnon (who seemed to be taking “war brides” left and right, despite warnings from Achilles). One night, as Achilles stayed on the beaches disgusted by Agamemnon preparing to sail back home, Patroclus (Achilles’ confidant and lover) stole Achilles’ armor and decided to push back the Trojan advance, which was led by Hector. In the heat of the battle, Hector killed Patroclus, believing him to actually be Achilles.
Though previously sworn off fighting the Trojans, the death of his beloved enraged Achilles and he challenged Hector to a fight outside the city walls. Hector knew that the fight was inevitable and accepted the challenge, though he also knew he would likely die at the hands of Achilles. When he charged at Achilles and missed, he begged Achilles to treat his body with respect after his death, but Achilles was so filled with rage that he told Hector he had no plans to do so. After defeating Hector and thereby avenging his lover’s death, he paraded Hector’s body outside the Trojan walls by tying it to his chariot to mock not only the Trojan royal family but Troy itself.
Later, King Priam himself showed up at Achilles’ tent begging for the return of his son’s body, which Achilles allowed. According to the legends, it was then Paris (the man who effectively started the Trojan War by running away with Agamemnon’s wife as well as Hector’s brother) that killed Achilles by shooting a possibly poisoned arrow (guided by Apollo) into his heel.
After he died, it was said that his bones were placed in a funerary urn with the bones of Patroclus so that they would remain together forever.
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Legends of Pride 