The Aegean Sea: Naming and Mythology
The Aegean Sea stands as one of the most striking bodies of water in Europe, separating the Greek mainland, aegean islands, and Turkey's west coast. It is not just a geographical marvel but a repository of rich history and mythology. The sea's name is deeply rooted in ancient Greek mythology, with the most well-known tale involving Aegeus, the father of Theseus.
Who Named the Aegean Sea?
Traditionally, the Aegean Sea is named after Aegeus, the legendary king of Athens. According to Greek mythology, Aegeus was a noble king of Athens who played a pivotal role in the legend of Theseus, the most famous Greek hero of antiquity.
There are several myths surrounding the name, but the most popular one revolves around Aegeus throwing himself into the sea. This tragic event is said to have occurred because Aegeus believed that his son, Theseus, had perished. This piece will delve into the story of Aigeas, the true origin of the Aegean name, and the rich mythology surrounding the region.
The Myth of Aigeas and the Minotaur
The myth of Aigeas, the father of the Aegean Sea, begins with the legendary king of Crete, Minos. Minos was a powerful king who demanded a tragic sacrifice from Athens. Instead of sending livestock as demanded, Minos demanded seven young Athenian boys and seven young Athenian girls to be sent to Crete every nine years as a ritual offering to the Minotaur, a ferocious beast with the head of a bull and the body of a man.
Aigeas was a wealthy and powerful king of Crete who ruled over a city on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. He agreed to these brutal sacrifices under the dictation of Minos, the ruler of Crete. However, one year, the Minotaur was killed by Athenian hero Theseus, the son of Aegeus, during Theseus' quest to kill the beast and free the city from its horrific prison.
Theseus managed to navigate the labyrinth and kill the Minotaur after a fierce battle. Upon his return to Athens, Theseus forgot to change the black sail of his ship to a white one, as it was the agreed upon signal that he had completed his mission. Aegeus saw the black sail and, believing his son was dead, threw himself off the cliffs into the sea. Hence, the sea was named the Aegean Sea, after Aegeus.
There is another version of the story where Aigeas is not the father of the Aegean Sea but his name is associated with the tragic incident that occurred due to the misuse of a white sail symbolizing safety instead of a black sail indicating calamity.
Conclusion
The rich mythology of the Aegean Sea is a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek civilization and the impact of ancient myths. From the tragic story of Aegeus to the historical sacrifices to the Minotaur, the Aegean Sea holds a unique place in Greek and global history. Understanding these myths not only enriches our cultural understanding but also serves as a reminder of the human condition and the need for caution and wisdom in our actions.