MENESTHEUS (mythical king of Athens)

He caused Theseus to be expelled after the latter regained his liberty.^10,11 He incited the common people by criticizing Theseus's rule, claiming the people were robbed of their native homes and religions and forced to obey an immigrant master.⁷ He sought favor from his subjects to prevent Theseus from becoming a strong opponent.¹¹ He ignored the children of Theseus who had fled to Elephenor in Euboea.¹¹ He is described as the first person to seek popularity with the masses.⁷ Lycomedes may have killed Theseus as a favor to Menestheus.¹²

He led fifty ships to the campaign and commanded the Athenian forces in the expedition.^13,8 He departed from Phalerum with his fleet to go to Troy.¹⁴ He was stationed with the Athenians during the review of troops and the battle.^4,15 He was found standing still and waiting for others to start fighting, which Agamemnon rebuked him for.⁴ He was noted for being foremost to accept Agamemnon's invitations to feasts, where he enjoyed roast meats and wine.⁴ He was expected to be foremost in hard fighting.⁴

During the battle, he was stationed at a tower on the defensive wall.^3,16 He was found to be under severe pressure from the enemy forces.¹⁶ He felt dismayed when the Lycian army approached his position.³ He failed to shout for help due to the loud battle noise.³ He searched the wall for a chieftain to help his comrades.³ He sent Thootes to deliver a message to Ajax.³ He requested Ajax and Teucer come to defend his section.³ He carried the body of Amphimachus back to the Achaean camp.¹⁷ He led the chosen men of Athens in the front line of the battle.²

He assisted Agamemnon in destroying Priam's kingdom with Athenian troops.¹⁸ He entered the wooden horse constructed by Epeius.¹⁹ He led the followers of Acamas and Demophon to Ilium.²⁰ He came to Ilium specifically for the sake of Aethra.²⁰ Agamemnon gave gifts to Menestheus according to Lysimachus's account.²⁰ He was awarded a Gnosian bow and arrows as a prize.²¹ He convinced the Athenians to welcome the Tyndaridae into their city.²² He argued the Tyndaridae were saviors of mankind and only warred against Theseus.²² The sons of Tyndareus restored Menestheus to his royal position.⁶ The Dioscuri returned Menestheus to Athens from his period of exile.⁵ The Dioscuri granted Menestheus the sovereignty of Athens.⁵ He founded the city of Elaea during an expedition against Ilium.²³ He was accompanied by Athenians when he established the settlement at Elaea.²³ He led the Athenians who established the colony of Scylletium.²⁴ He sailed to Mimas alongside Phidippus, Antiphus, Elephenor's people, and Philoctetes.²⁵ He traveled to the island of Melos after leaving Mimas.²⁵ He became the king of Melos following the death of its previous ruler.²⁵ The descendants of Theseus ruled Athens after Menestheus died.²⁶ The sons of Theseus regained their kingdom after Menestheus died.²⁷