TAPHIAN PIRATE (sea raider of Taphos)
People and soldiers · island group of Ionian Sea, Greece
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
The Taphians, a people famed for their seafaring, were ruled by a king named Mentes, son of Anchialus.1,2,3 These warriors were renowned for their skill in rowing, and some writers claimed they were identical to the Teleboae.2 The island of Taphos is currently known by the name Taphius.2
The Taphians killed several sons of Electryon during a battle over cattle.3 In response, Amphitryon ravaged the Taphian islands with the support of several allies, burning their villages to avenge his wife's brothers.4,5 The Taphians were destroyed by fire as part of a task bound upon Amphitryon by Zeus.5 Amphitryon burned the villages of the Taphians and Teleboans.5
Heracles previously destroyed the citadel of the Taphians while leading Theban troops.6 The escaping Taphians entrusted the stolen cattle to Polyxenus, king of the Eleans.7 The Taphians who escaped the battle sailed away with the stolen cattle.7 Some Taphians accompanied the sons of Pterelaus to claim the kingdom of Mestor.7
Amphitryon was unable to capture Taphos while Pterelaus was alive.4 After Pterelaus died, Amphitryon subjugated all the islands.4 Amphitryon gave the islands to Heleus and Cephalus.4 Heleus and Cephalus founded cities on the islands named after themselves.4 In another account, Amphitryon and Cephalus conquered the island and gave it to Cephalus.2 A swineherd acquired a servant from this island group while his master was away.8
The codex facts behind this entry
The Taphians are described as famous seafarers. The Catalogues of Women and Eoiae ll. 11-20 Some writers claim the Taphians are identical to the Teleboae. Strabo 10.2.14
In the myths
Amphitryon ravaged the Taphian islands with the support of several allies, burning their villages to avenge his wife's brothers. Apollodorus 2.4.7 +1 Heracles previously destroyed the citadel of the Taphians while leading Theban troops. Euripides, Heracles 60-118 The escaping Taphians entrusted the stolen cattle to Polyxenus, king of the Eleans. Apollodorus 2.4.6 The Taphians killed several sons of Electryon during a battle over cattle. The Catalogues of Women and Eoiae ll. 11-20 The Taphians were destroyed by fire as part of a task bound upon Amphitryon by Zeus. The Shield of Heracles ll. 1-27 Amphitryon gave the islands to Heleus and Cephalus. Apollodorus 2.4.7 The Taphians transported their forces across the sea in ships to fight. The Catalogues of Women and Eoiae ll. 11-20 The Taphians who escaped the battle sailed away with the stolen cattle. Apollodorus 2.4.6 Some Taphians accompanied the sons of Pterelaus to claim the kingdom of Mestor. Apollodorus 2.4.6 Amphitryon was unable to capture Taphos while Pterelaus was alive. Apollodorus 2.4.7
