st stage of the Hellenistic art period of Greece. Most masterpieces of Roman art are Greek. Imitations were common at that time, due to the Roman admiration of Hellenistic artistry. Roman art greatly resembled Hellenistic art in both style and convention. As illustrated by the famous antique sculpture, Laocon and His Sons. This group was discovered in Rome in 1506. It is believed to be an original carving of the second century B.C. and it was thought to have been based on an Hellenistic masterpiece depicting Laocon and only one son. It was found in the remains of the palace of the emperor Titus. Other fragments of Hellenistic groupings were found in a grotto that served as a summer banquet hall of the emperor's seaside villa at Sperlonga.The legend of Laocon is told by Virgil's Aeneid, in the voice of the long dead defeated Trojans, describing Laocon as the priest of Neptune of Troy. Moreover, during the last year of the Trojan War it appeared as though the Greeks had given up and broke encampment leaving a wooden horse as an offering to the goddess Athena. However, in fact the horse was hollow and was filled with armed men. Cassandra daughter of King Priam of Troy, was bestowed with the gift of prophecy from Apollo, who loved her. Nevertheless, she was also cursed by Apollo as a lunatic when she refused to return his love. No one believed her predictions of the Trojans deception. Laocon warned the Trojans "I fear the Greeks even when they come bearing gifts." Laocon warnings only enraged Poseidon who was angry with Troy. Poseidon the god of sea (Neptune) unleashed two sea serpents out of the sea to the land towards Laocon, who was standing with his sons. Poseidon sought revenge on Athens since losing a wager with Athena. The serpents attacked Laocon's sons first and Laocon struggled fiercely to save them but both he and his sons were strangled to death. All at once the Trojans were convinced to ignore Lacunas advice and eagerly pulling...
