The City of God · Chapter
II explained
Augustine argues that it is contrary to the customs of war for victors to spare the vanquished for the sake of their gods, citing historical examples such as the fall of Troy where temples and images were not protected.
What happens
Augustine argues that it is contrary to the customs of war for victors to spare the vanquished for the sake of their gods, citing historical examples such as the fall of Troy where temples and images were not protected.
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Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible psychological and spiritual turning poin…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Critique of Pagan Religion
Augustine criticizes the pagan gods for their inability to protect their own temples and worshippers.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“There are histories of numberless wars, both before the building of Rome and since its rise and the extension of its dominion: let these be read, and let one instance be cited in which, when a city had been taken by foreigners, the victors spared those who were found to have fled for sanctuary to the temples of their gods;”
Augustine challenges readers to find any historical example where conquerors spared those who took refuge in temples.
Highlights the inconsistency of pagan claims of divine protection.
“It was not, in fact, the men who were preserved by the image, but the image by the men.”
The statue of Minerva was protected by its guards, not the other way around.
Reverses the pagan belief that gods protect their worshippers.
