On June 11, 1184 BC, the Achaeans entered the city of Troy and killed the sleeping population. A great massacre followed which continued into the day. Desperate, the Trojans fought back fiercely despite being disorganized and leaderless. At the height of the fighting, some donned fallen enemies’ attire and launched surprise counterattacks in the chaotic street fighting. Other defenders hurled down roof tiles and anything else heavy on the attackers. Eventually, the remaining defenders were destroyed along with the whole city.
The Greeks burned the city and divided the spoils. A storm fell on the Achaeans returning fleet off Tenos Island. False lights were set up in Cape Caphereus that caused many shipwrecks. Nestor, who had the best conduct in Troy and did not take part in the looting, was the only hero who had a fast and safe return. Ajax, the Lesser, never returned. His ship was wrecked by a storm. The crew managed to land on a rock but lightning hit it causing Ajax to fall in the sea and drown.
