Laocoon

Illustration

Mark Cartwright
by
published on 09 August 2013
Subscribe to author
Laocoon Download Full Size Image

Laocoon was a Trojan hero who during the Trojan war tried to warn his compatriots against accepting the gift of the Trojan Horse. However, Athena and Poseidon, who supported the Greeks, sent two gigantic sea snakes to destroy Laocoon. This marble statue, dated to 40-30 BCE, captures the moment the snakes kill Laocoon and his two sons. According to the myth only the Trojan hero Aeneas heeded Laocoon's advice and fled to eventually establish the city of Rome. Discovered on the Esquiline Hill in Rome. (The Vatican Museums).

Remove Ads
Advertisement
Subscribe to this author

About the Author

Mark Cartwright
Mark is a full-time writer, researcher, historian, and editor. Special interests include art, architecture, and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the WHE Publishing Director.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Cartwright, M. (2013, August 09). Laocoon. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1375/laocoon/

Chicago Style

Cartwright, Mark. "Laocoon." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified August 09, 2013. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1375/laocoon/.

MLA Style

Cartwright, Mark. "Laocoon." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 09 Aug 2013. Web. 04 Mar 2025.

Membership