4.3 Book 2: The Fall of Troy

Aeneas's tale

At Dido's banquet, Aeneas narrates the fall of Troy. The Greeks feign retreat and leave the Trojan Horse; despite warnings, the Trojans drag it inside.

Laocoön and Sinon

The priest Laocoön warns 'Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes' ('I fear the Greeks even bearing gifts'), but sea-serpents kill him. The liar Sinon tricks the Trojans into trusting the horse.

The sack

That night Greek soldiers pour out and sack the city. Aeneas escapes carrying his father Anchises and leading his son Ascanius, but loses his wife Creusa — an image of pietas amid catastrophe.

Key terms

Book 2

Aeneas narrates the fall of Troy

The Trojan Horse

the trick that lets the Greeks into the city

Laocoön

priest who warns against the horse; killed by serpents

'Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes'

'I fear the Greeks even bearing gifts'

Anchises & Ascanius

Aeneas carries his father, leads his son — pietas

Try an AP-style question

Laocoön warns the Trojans about the horse, saying…

1. he fears Greeks even bearing gifts
2. the city will stand forever
3. the gods are angry
4. the war is over