The name Aegean Sea is familiar to many, but few know the captivating Greek legend behind its origin. This tale intertwines bravery, love, and tragedy, set against the backdrop of ancient Mediterranean mythology.
The labyrinth of King Minos
According to the Greek legend, King Minos of Crete, a powerful ruler of the Mediterranean, ordered the construction of an intricate labyrinth with countless winding passages. Anyone who entered was doomed to wander endlessly, unable to find an exit. Deep within this maze lurked the Minotaur, a bloodthirsty creature with a man’s body and a bull’s head.
After Athens suffered a military defeat, the city was forced to send seven young men and seven young women to Crete every nine years as a sacrifice to the Minotaur. When the time came for the next tribute, the Athenians mourned as they watched the unfortunate youths board the ship bound for Crete. Among them was Theseus, the courageous son of King Aegeus of Athens. Determined to end the slaughter, Theseus volunteered for the mission, vowing to slay the beast and free his people from this cruel obligation.
Before Theseus departed, he made a promise to his father: If he succeeded in killing the Minotaur, he would return with white sails hoisted on the ship. Black sails, however, would signal his demise.
A daring escape and a tragic mistake
Upon arriving in Crete, Theseus caught the eye of Ariadne, King Minos’s daughter. Enchanted by his bravery and charm, she resolved to help him. She gave him a ball of thread and a sharp sword. As Theseus entered the labyrinth, he tied one end of the thread to the entrance and unspooled it as he ventured deeper into the maze.
After a fierce battle, Theseus slew the Minotaur and, following the thread, led his companions safely out of the labyrinth. To prevent pursuit, he and his followers sabotaged the Cretan fleet by drilling holes in the bottoms of the ships. Ariadne herself joined Theseus on his journey back to Athens.
Days later, as the Athenian coastline came into view, Theseus, overwhelmed by relief and celebration, forgot his promise to change the black sails to white.
The origin of the Aegean Sea’s name
Meanwhile, King Aegeus anxiously watched the horizon each day, hoping to see the white sails signaling his son’s safe return. When he spotted the ship bearing black sails, he was overcome with despair, believing Theseus had perished. Heartbroken, he threw himself into the sea, ending his life. To honor the grieving king, the waters where he fell were forever named the Aegean Sea.
Theseus’s bravery and Aegeus’s deep paternal love left a lasting impression, making this Greek legend one of the most poignant in Greek mythology. While the story was long thought to be mere legend, archaeological discoveries suggest it might hold some truth.
Archaeological evidence of the legend
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans uncovered the ruins of the Minoan civilization on Crete. Excavations revealed the remains of the Palace of Knossos, an architectural marvel built into the hillside, covering approximately two hectares. Most of the palace had three stories, complete with bathrooms, kitchens, storerooms, and courtyards. Among the findings were exquisite gold and silver jewelry, bronze artifacts, and sophisticated water drainage systems that used rainwater to clean the sewers.
The palace itself was a labyrinthine structure, with countless rooms and winding corridors. It was easy for an outsider to get lost inside, much like the fabled maze described in the myth.
Additionally, archaeologists discovered over 2,000 clay tablets, seals, and vessels inscribed with Linear A and Linear B, ancient scripts resembling early Greek writing. Studies revealed that between 1700 and 1400 BCE, the Minoan civilization reached its peak, boasting advanced tools, weapons, wooden and leather goods, bronze items, and intricate artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and engravings. The presence of altars also indicated the practice of religious rituals.
The enduring mystery of the Minoan civilization
Despite its remarkable achievements, the Minoan civilization vanished suddenly, leaving historians and archaeologists to speculate about its downfall. Theories range from volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to invasions or economic collapse, but no single explanation has been proven. The mystery surrounding its disappearance continues to puzzle scholars to this day.
Though the tale of Theseus, King Aegeus, and the Minotaur remains a myth, the archaeological discoveries on Crete lend credibility to the idea that such stories may have been inspired by actual historical events, forever linking the legend to the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea.
Translated by Katy Liu
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