Kings of Athens

Background

The ancient city of Athens boasts a legendary lineage of kings, many of whom are intertwined with Greek mythology and the city's historical and cultural development. These kings played pivotal roles in the formation and growth of Athens, as well as in the mythological narratives of ancient Greece. Here are some of the most notable kings of Athens:

1. Cecrops

Cecrops was the first king of Athens and a mythological figure with a unique appearance.

Origins: Cecrops was considered autochthonous (born from the earth) and was depicted as having the upper body of a man and the lower body of a serpent or fish.
Cultural Contributions: He is credited with founding the city of Athens, introducing the practice of marriage, and establishing several cultural and religious practices.
Patronage Contest: During Cecrops's reign, there was a famous contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of Athens. Athena offered the olive tree, while Poseidon offered a saltwater spring (or a horse in some versions). Cecrops judged Athena's gift more beneficial, and she became the city's patron deity.

2. Cranaus

Cranaus was the successor to Cecrops and a native Athenian.

Reign: Little is known about his reign, but he is said to have ruled during a time of relative peace and stability.
Children: His daughters, Cranae and Atthis, were also notable figures. The region of Attica is said to have been named after his daughter Atthis.

3. Amphictyon

Amphictyon was a mythical king who succeeded Cranaus.

Background: Amphictyon was said to be a son of Deucalion and Pyrrha, and thus descended from the line of Prometheus.
Reign: His reign is not well-documented, but he is noted for establishing the Amphictyonic League, an early form of a religious and political alliance among Greek tribes.

4. Erichthonius

Erichthonius was a legendary king born from the earth, similar to Cecrops.

Origins: He was born from the seed of Hephaestus and Gaia (Earth), and raised by Athena.
Innovations: Erichthonius is credited with inventing the plow and the use of horses in chariots. He also established the Panathenaic Festival in honor of Athena.
Temple Construction: He built a temple to Athena on the Acropolis, which laid the groundwork for the later Parthenon.

5. Pandion I

Pandion I was an early king associated with several mythological stories.

Family: He was the father of Procne and Philomela, who are central to a tragic myth involving Tereus.
Exile and Return: Pandion was expelled from Athens by his brother, Lycus, but he later returned with the help of the Thracians.

6. Erechtheus

Erechtheus was a prominent king linked closely to the city's religious and mythological traditions.

Lineage: He was sometimes considered the son or grandson of Erichthonius.
War with Eleusis: Erechtheus led Athens in a successful war against Eleusis. According to myth, he sacrificed one of his daughters to ensure victory.
Cult and Worship: He was worshipped as a hero after his death, and his tomb was located in the Erechtheion, a temple on the Acropolis.

7. Aegeus

Aegeus was the father of the hero Theseus and an important king in his own right.

Oracles and Prophecy: Aegeus consulted the Oracle of Delphi for guidance on having an heir. He was told not to loosen the mouth of his wineskin until he returned to Athens. On his way back, he visited Troezen and met Aethra, resulting in the birth of Theseus.
Sign of Identity: Aegeus left a sword and sandals under a rock for Theseus to retrieve when he came of age, proving his royal lineage.
Tragic Death: Aegeus threw himself into the sea (thereafter called the Aegean Sea) when he mistakenly believed Theseus had died, based on the black sails on Theseus's ship.

8. Theseus

Theseus is one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology and a pivotal king of Athens.

Adventures and Heroics: Theseus is renowned for his many adventures, including the slaying of the Minotaur in Crete, his battles with the Amazons, and his journey to the underworld.
Political Reforms: As king, Theseus is credited with consolidating the region of Attica into a single political entity, establishing democratic principles, and promoting civic unity.
Synoecism: Theseus united the various communities of Attica under Athenian leadership, a process known as synoecism.

9. Codrus

Codrus is remembered as the last king of Athens and a symbol of self-sacrifice.

Heroic Sacrifice: During a Dorian invasion, an oracle predicted that the Dorians would conquer Athens only if the king remained unharmed. To save his city, Codrus disguised himself and provoked the enemy into killing him, ensuring Athenian victory.
End of Monarchy: After Codrus's death, the Athenians decided that no one could be as worthy a king as he was, leading to the establishment of an archon system, effectively ending the monarchy.

Summary

The kings of Athens were pivotal figures in both mythology and the development of the city's identity. From the foundational rule of Cecrops to the heroic deeds of Theseus and the self-sacrifice of Codrus, these kings shaped the religious, cultural, and political landscape of Athens. Their stories reflect themes of innovation, heroism, sacrifice, and the establishment of civic institutions, contributing to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and history.