PITTHEUS (son of Pelops in Greek mythology)

Pittheus traveled from the region of Pisatis to Argos and later to the region where Aetius was ruling.^7,8 He united local inhabitants and merged the settlements of Hyperea and Anthea into a single community named Troezen.^4,7,9 This new settlement was named in honor of his brother.⁹ Pittheus and Troezen arrived to create a situation with three kings, holding the balance of power among them.⁸

He established the sanctuary of Thearian Apollo at Troezen.¹⁰ Pittheus dedicated the altar of the Themides.¹¹ He taught the art of rhetoric near the Muses' sanctuary.¹² A treatise attributed to him was published by a citizen of Epidaurus.¹² He sat in judgment with two other men on the marble seats.¹²

Pittheus begat Aethra in Troezen.^13,14,15 He also fathered Henioche.¹⁶ Bellerophontes traveled to Troezen to request Aethra in marriage, and Pittheus was asked to provide her as a wife.¹⁷ Pittheus tricked Aegeus into sleeping with his daughter Aethra after getting him drunk and understanding an oracle regarding the guest's situation.^15,18 He spread a report claiming Poseidon was the father of Theseus and helped keep the true birth secret.¹⁹ Some accounts report that Pittheus raised the infant Theseus.^15,20,21 Theseus sent Hippolytus to Pittheus to be raised there, and Pittheus taught him.^22,2 Hippolytus left Pittheus's home to attend initiation rites in Pandion's land.²²

Pittheus detailed the dangers of the land route to discourage Theseus from traveling overland and attempted to persuade him to choose a sea voyage instead.²³ He directed the building of part of a secret fleet for Theseus.²⁴ A maxim about making ample and certain payments to dear men is attributed to him.⁵ His tomb is located behind a temple and features three white marble seats.¹²