1 Introduction

In the 15th century BC, the Hittites were expanding their power in Anatolia. [1]

The first Greeks to settle in northwestern Anatolia were the Teucrians, who migrated from Crete in 1435 BC.

The Teucrians were joined by the Pelasgians, who migrated from Arcadia, and their country came to be called Troy.

Troy subsequently expanded its power rapidly, incorporating Wilusa, a long-standing Hittite vassal state.

This rise of Troy caused Pelops, son of Tantalus, to emigrate to Peloponnesus.

2 Migration to Troad

2.1 Migration from Crete

2.1.1 Discovery of Iron in Crete

The 1st-century AD philosopher Thrasyllus reports that 73 years elapsed between the "Flood" and the "discovery of iron" in Crete. He further states that 220 years passed between the discovery of iron and Adrastus's siege of Thebes.

Since Adrastus's siege of Thebes is estimated to have occurred in 1215 BC, the "Flood" would have occurred in 1508 BC. [2]

The great flood during the reign of Hellen's father, Deucalion, is estimated to have occurred in 1511 BC for the following reasons, making it the closest to this "Flood."

The 2nd-century BC chronicler Castor reports that this flood occurred during the reign of Cecrops, the first king of Athens. The 2nd-century AD writer Apollodoros reports that it occurred during the reign of Cranaus, the second king of Athens. In other words, it is estimated to have occurred in the year that Cranaus succeeded Cecrops, the first king of Athens. [3]

Based on Castor's list of Athenian kings, counting backward from the first Olympic Games (776 BC), the year Cecrops was succeeded by Cranaus is estimated to be 1511 BC. [4]

Therefore, the discovery of iron on Mount Ida in Crete is estimated to be 1438 BC, 73 years after the "Flood" during the time of Deucalion (1511 BC).

2.1.2 Birth of the Idaean Dactyls

Celmis (or Kelmis) and Damnameneus were the first to discover iron in Crete. [5]

The 5th-century BC tragic poet Sophocles tells us that "a certain man" living at the foot of Mount Ida in Crete had five sons who were the first to discover iron. [6]

They further invented methods of processing iron and taught the smelting and tempering of iron at Aptera in Berecynthus, Crete, and came to be known as the Idaean Dactyls. [7]

2.1.3 Ancestor of the Idaean Dactyls

Telchines were the first to discover iron in Crete, and their clan gave birth to the Idaean Dactyls, skilled in metallurgy. [8]

The Telchines were a transcendent race that brought technological innovations to the ancient Aegean Sea. They were children of the sea, skilled in navigation, inventors, introducers, and sometimes even magicians with scientific knowledge. [9]

In 1690 BC, Telchin of Sicyon, the ancestor of the Telchines, was defeated in battle by Apis of Argos. Telchin's son, Cres, emigrated to Crete. [10]

Hephaestus, the son of Talos, the son of Cres, married Cabeiro, the ancestor of the Cabeiri. Religious elements were also added to the Telchines, and the Telchines, Cabeiri, and Idaean Dactyls were identified. [11]

2.1.4 Teucrus' Migration to Troad

Celmis (or Kelmis) and Damnameneus, known as the Idaean Dactyls, first discovered iron in Crete and later discovered iron in Cyprus. They actively engaged in iron mining. [12]

One of their brothers was Teucrus (or Teucer, Teukros), son of Ida (or Idothea). [13]

In 1435 BC, Teucrus led a group of immigrants from Aptera and landed near Hamaxitus on the Troad in northwestern Anatolia. [14]

The Idaean Dactyls accompanying Teucrus explored for deposits north from Hamaxitus and found a promising area around Mount Ida. They settled there and expanded their exploration to offshore islands such as Lemnos. They were already on the island when Cadmus arrived in Samothrace in 1425 BC. [15]

Teucrus's colony also included Cabeiri, who accompanied the Idaean Dactyls to Samothrace to spread the Cabeiri faith.

Teucrus founded Teucris (later Dardanus) near the Hellespontus Strait. [16]

2.2 Migration from Arcadia

2.2.1 Migration from Arcadia to Samothrace

In 1430 BC, a prolonged flood occurred in central Arcadia, affecting Dardanus, son of Electra, daughter of Orchomenus, son of Lycaon, who lived in Methydrium. [17]

Methydrium was located on a hill between the Maloetas and Mylaon rivers, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters. [18]

Dardanus led his people away from the Peloponnesus Peninsula, traveling north across the Aegean Sea to Samothrace, located off the coast of the Melas Gulf just before the Strait of Hellespont. [19]

2.2.2 Migration from Samothrace to Troad

Dardanus's brother Iasion married Cybele and had a son, Corybas. [20]

Cybele was one of the Cabeiri who traveled from Crete to Samothrace with the Idaean Dactyls during Teuclus's migration.

In 1425 BC, a group of immigrants led by Cadmus stayed in Samothrace, where he married Dardanus' sister, Harmonia. [21]

Cadmus's group then departed Samothrace for Thracia. Cadmus was accompanied by the Idaean Dactyls and Cabeiri who were on the island. Cadmus discovered gold near Mount Pangaeus in the northern Chalcidice Peninsula, a discovery credited to the Idaean Dactyls. [22]

In 1420 BC, Samothrace was suddenly hit by a massive tsunami. At this time, Iasion and Dardanus' wife, Chryse (or Chyse), died in a tsunami. Dardanus left Samothrace with Cybele and her son, Corybas. [23]

Guided by Cybele, Dardanus moved to Teucris in Troad, where he lived with Teucrus. [24]

Dardanus remarried Teucrus' daughter, Bateia, and after Teucrus' death, Dardanus inherited the region. [25]

Teucris came to be called Dardanus. [26]

2.2.3 Cybele and Corybas

Iasion's wife, Cybele, and Corybas, who traveled with Dardanus to Troad, settled at the foot of Mount Ida with the Idaean Dactyls. [27]

A sacred site is said to have existed at Corybissa, about 7 km north-northwest of Mount Ida's peak. [28]

Cybele and Corybas are believed to have lived in the vicinity.

Cybele was worshipped as a goddess, and Corybas introduced the dance to the people, calling those who celebrated motherhood rituals Corybantes. [29]

Corybas married Thebe, daughter of Cilix, from Thebe, southeast of Mount Ida, and had a daughter, Ide. [30]

Cybele later moved to Pessinus in Phrygia, where she became known as the Mother of the gods, the Mountain Mother, and Phrygia the Great Goddess. [31]

2.3 Migration from Crete

2.3.1 Migration from Arcadia to Crete

In 1450 BC, Cydon, son of Tegeates, migrated from Tegea in Arcadia to northwestern Crete and founded Cydonia near Aptera. [32]

2.3.2 Marriage of Cydon and Europa

In 1425 BC, a colony led by Cadmus, son of Agenor, arrived in Cydonia. Europa, daughter of Phoenix, was among the colonists and married Cydon. [33]

Cydon and Europa were Pelasgians, descending from Triopas (or Triops), son of Phorbas (or Peranthus, Piras) of Argos.

Cydon and Europa had two sons, Minos and Cardys. [34]

In 1420 BC, a tsunami struck the northern coast of Crete, destroying Cydonia. Cydon died in the tsunami. Europa remarried Asterius, son of Tectamus, who had migrated to Crete from Peloponnesus after the tsunami. Europa left Minos and Cardys in Cydonia and moved to Cnossus. [35]

Minos married Androgeneia, a daughter of Phaistos of Crete, and had a son, Asterios. [36]

Subsequently, Tectamus' son, Asterius, died without an heir. The Dorians of Cnossus summoned Europa's son, Minos, to Cnossus and married him to Lyctus' daughter, Itone, making him Asterius' successor. [37]

Lyctus is believed to have founded Lyctus, located southeast of Cnossus, and to have been the son of Asterius' maternal grandfather, Cretheus. [38]

2.3.3 Migration from Crete to Troad

Minos, son of Europa, is said to be the first Minos, and there is a birth year difference of over 100 years between him and the second Minos. However, there are few records from this period. This is likely because they did not live in Crete during that time, leading to the following speculation:

In 1390 BC, Cnossus in northern Crete was hit by a massive tsunami, and Minos was also affected. [39]

Minos sought refuge with his brother Cardys in Cydonia. However, Cardys was also affected by the tsunami. Minos and Cardys joined a Telchines's migration from Aptera to Asia Minor, carrying victims, and migrated to Troad.

Cardys later returned to Cydonia, while Minos settled near Dardanus, then ruled by Dardanus' son Erichthonius.

At the same time, Corybas, son of Dardanus's brother Iasion, who had been accompanied across the sea by Dardanus, lived with his mother, Cybele, near Mount Ida. Corybas married Thebe, daughter of Cilix, son of Agenor, and had a daughter, Ide. Minos had a son, Lyctius, who later married Ide. [40]

Lyctius and Ide shared a common ancestor, Lycaon, son of Pelasgus of Arcadia.

Minos' descendants amassed wealth through gold mining in Astyra, near Dardanus.

In 1295 BC, the second Minos returned to Crete. He acquired numerous ships and controlled many islands, eliminating the pirate inhabitants who threatened maritime traffic at the time.

Minos gained control of the Aegean Sea. [41]

In his Gorgias, Plato writes that Minos and Rhadamanthys were natives of Asia. [42]

Furthermore, it is more plausible to assume that Minos' marriage to Perseis's daughter Pasiphae was from the Black Sea region to Troad than that Pasiphae was from the Black Sea region to Crete. [43]

2.4 Migration from Egypt

The great tsunami of 1390 BC also reached Archandropolis, which was founded by Archander, son of Achaeus, who had emigrated from Argos to the Nile Delta in Egypt. [44]

Archander's son Belus led a group of immigrants from Egypt to the Peloponnesus. Belus joined a group of immigrants led by Aeetes, son of Sisyphus of Corinth, who were setting out in search of a new land.

Aeetes and Belus shared a common ancestor, Hellen, son of Deucalion. [45]

Corinth, newly founded by Sisyphus, son of Aeolus, and Athens and Eleusis, were also hit by the tsunami.

Boreas of Athens and Ceryx of Eleusis also joined Aeetes's group. The colonies traveled north across the Aegean Sea, and Ceryx settled in Thracia near Thasos.

Boreas traveled up the Hebrus River near Samothrace and settled further up its tributary, the Rheginia River.

Aeetes and Belus crossed the Hellespont and entered Propontis. Belus, leading a colony from Egypt, found a suitable settlement near the mouth of the Aesepus River just before Cyzicus. Aeetes crossed the Bosporus and settled near the mouth of the Phasis River on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. [46]

Belus's settlement came to be called Ethiopia.

2.5 Migration from Crete

In 1345 BC, Clymenus, son of Cardys, emigrated from Cydonia in Crete to Olympia in Peloponnesus. In 1344 BC, Clymenus was exiled by Endymion, son of Aethlius of Elis. [47]

Clymenus was the grandson of the Idaean Heracles. [48]

Clymenus's father, Cardys, lived in Cydonia. Genealogically, Cardys was one generation younger than Cydon, the founder of Cydonia, and is presumed to be Cydon's son.

Clymenus's mother was therefore the daughter of the Idaean Heracles.

Cardys, along with his brother Minos, once lived in Troad.

Clymenus, Cardys' son, was likely born in Troad.

It is believed that Clymenus traveled from Cydonia to Olympia, and from Olympia to his native Troad.

The following suggests that Clymenus was the father of Pelops' father, Tantalus.

1) Aptera, near Cydonia, where Clymenus lived, was in Berecynthus. Tantalus's territory was called the land of the Berecyntes. [49]

2) Pelops, the son of Tantalus, traveled from Lydia to Peloponnesus and headed for Olympia, where Clymenus had been exiled. At the time, Olympia was under the control of Pisa. [50]

3) Pelops sacrificed at the temple of Athena surnamed Cydonian near Pisa. The temple was built by Clymenus. [51]

2.6 Migration from Argos

Perseus, son of Danae, daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos, killed his grandfather's brother Proetus and fled to Seriphus. [52]

Perseus crossed Troad from Seriphus and married Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus, son of Belus. [53]

Belus's father, Archander, had a son named Metanastes by Danaus' daughter, Scaea. [54]

Metanastes also had a son named Pilumnus, who married Danae. [55]

Andromeda was therefore Perseus's second cousin.

3 Rise of Troy

3.1 Age of Erichthonius (1385–60 BC)

Dardanus had a son named Erichthonius. 3,000 mares were raised on the vast pastureland named after him, the Erechtheian Plain. [56]

In 1381 BC, Erichthonius' sister, Idaea, married Phineus, son of Belus, who lived in the land of Ethiopians near Cyzicus. [57]

Phineus then moved to the southwestern shore of the Black Sea and founded Salmydessus. [58]

During Erichthonius's reign, the Trojan royal family and the Ethiopians enjoyed friendly relations.

3.2 Age of Tros (1360-30 BC)

Erichthonius had a son, Tros, who united the surrounding tribes and founded Troy, named after himself. [59]

Tros had three sons: Ilus (or Ilos), Ganymedes (or Ganymede), and Assaracus (or Asarakos), and a daughter, Cleomestra (or Cleopatra).

3.2.1 Relationship with Tantalus

The 2nd-century BC orator Dio Chrysostom states that the descendants of Atreus were connected to the Trojan royal family through Pelops. [60]

Pelops' father, Tantalus, was not related to the Trojan royal family, so Pelops' mother is likely related to the Trojan royal family.

Additionally, the 5th-century BC historian Pherecydes of Athens reports that Pelops' mother was Eurythemiste, daughter of Xanthus. [61]

Xanthus was the river god Scamander, which flows through Troad, and is a reference to Tros, a generation older than Tantalus. Eurythemiste is presumably Tros' daughter. [62]

Tros had a daughter named Eurythemiste, who married Tantalus and gave birth to Pelops.

The marriage of Tantalus and Eurythemiste is presumably 1341 BC.

During the time of Tros, Tantalus, who lived near Mount Ida, had a friendly relationship with the Trojan royal family.

3.2.2 Expansion of the Achaeans

In 1355 BC, Thynus and Paphlagon (or Paphlagonus), sons of Belus' son Phineus and Idaea, migrated to Phrygia and Paphlagonia, respectively, and became the ancestors of the Thynians and Paphlagonians. [63]

Idaea's sons, Bithynus and Mariandinus, migrated to Bithynia and became the ancestors of the Bithynians and Mariandynians, respectively. [64]

They were descendants of Archander, son of Achaeus, and were Achaeans who migrated from Thessaly to Anatolia via Argos and Egypt.

3.3 Age of Ilus (1330–1297 BC)

Tros was succeeded by his son Ilus.

3.3.1 Succession of King Wilusa

The following legends reveal the rapid expansion of Ilus, son of Tros.

1) Ilus pursued Tantalus, who had fled from near Mount Ida to Pessinus in Phrygia, and fought him. [65]

2) Ilus attacked and exiled Pelops, who had fled to Mount Sipylus in Lydia. [66]

The circumstances surrounding Ilus's rapid expansion are presumed to be as follows:

Ilus, who lived in Dardanus, was married to King Wilusa, a Hittite vassal state.

Upon King Wilusa's death, his son-in-law, Ilus, succeeded to the throne.

The succession of the king's son-in-law to the throne was also a tradition in the Hittite lineage, and the Hittites recognized Ilus as King Wilusa.

King Wilusa's marriage to Ilus likely strengthened intermarriage between the Trojan royal family living in Dardanus and the surrounding tribes.

1) In 1381 BC, Dardanus's daughter, Idaea, was married to Phineus, son of Belus, who lived near the mouth of the Aesepus River. [67]

2) In 1341 BC, Dardanus's daughter, Eurythemiste, was married to Tantalus, who lived near Mount Ida. [68]

3.3.2 Eastward Expansion

Ilus, who succeeded King Wilusa and had the backing of the Hittites, expelled Tantalus, who lived in the land of the Berecyntes. After Tantalus's departure, the land was given to Adrastus, father of Ilus's wife, Eurydice, and the region was subsequently called Adrasteia. [69]

Ilus then expanded further east into Mysia, fighting against the Byzos of Bebryces and expanding his power. [70]

The ancestors of the Byzos were the Pelasgians, who were driven from Thessaly and settled near Lake Ascania, southeast of the Propontis Sea. [71]

3.4 Age of Laomedon (1297-1244 BC)

3.4.1 Descriptions in Hittite Texts

Hittite texts mention Alaksandu, the Wilusa king who formed an alliance with Hittite king Mursili II (1321-1295 BC) and Muwatalli II (1295-72 BC). [72]

Also, the Treaty of Alaksandu concluded between Muwatalli II and Alaksandu contains the following passage: "Because of the oath I swore to your (Alaksandu's) father, I (Muwatalli II) answered your cry for help and slew your enemies in your place." [73]

3.4.2 Succession Dispute

The Greek name of Alaksandu in Hittite texts is presumably Laomedon, son of Ilus.

In 1296 BC, Ilus was succeeded by his son, Laomedon. [74]

Upon his accession, Laomedon concluded a treaty with Mursili II (1321–1295 BC). [75]

Laomedon was subsequently exiled from Ilium. [76]

Laomedon was exiled by Phaenodamas (or Hippotes), likely the son of Ilus.

Laomedon attacked Ilium with the help of Hittite forces and Hittite vassals.

Laomedon was restored to the throne by Muwatalli II, and the attack on Ilium is believed to have occurred in 1295 BC. [77]

Around this time, the Hittites had conquered Arzawa, centered on Lydia, and had considerable influence in western Anatolia. [78]

Phaenodamas was defeated in battle and killed along with his sons. [79]

Phaenodamas' three daughters fled to Sicily. [80]

3.4.2 Succession Contest

The Greek name of Alaksandu in Hittite texts is presumably Laomedon, son of Ilus.

In 1296 BC, Ilus was succeeded by his son, Laomedon. [74]

Upon his accession, Laomedon concluded a treaty with Mursili II (1321–1295 BC). [75]

Laomedon was subsequently exiled from Ilium. [76]

Laomedon was exiled by Phaenodamas (or Hippotes), likely the son of Ilus.

Laomedon attacked Ilium with the help of Hittite and Hittite vassal armies.

Laomedon was restored to the throne by Muwatalli II, and the attack on Ilium is presumably dated to 1295 BC. [77]

Around this time, the Hittites conquered Arzawa, centered on Lydia, and exerted considerable influence in western Anatolia. [78]

Phaenodamas was defeated in battle and killed along with his sons. [79]

Phaenodamas's three daughters fled to Sicily. [80]

3.4.3 Hesione, Daughter of Laomedon

3.4.3.1 Hesione's Marriage

Hesione appears in the ninth labor of Heracles. The story that Hesione was sacrificed to a monster and saved by Heracles is fictional. [81]

There are four clues to understanding Hesione as a historical figure.

1) Priam's sister had a son named Trambelus. [82]

2) Achilles killed Trambelus, the son of Telamon. [83]

3) Trambelus, whom Achilles killed, was king of the Leleges of Miletus. [84]

4) During Heracles's campaign against Troy, Hesione was given to Telamon. [85]

From these clues, it is assumed that Hesione married the king of Miletus and had a son, Trambelus.

3.4.3.2 Marriage Age

According to Hittite texts, Hittite king Mursili III attacked and defeated his uncle (later known as Hattusili III). [86]

In 1265 BC, Wilusa (Troy) and Ahhiyawa (Achaeans) supported Mursili III.

After the battle, Wilusa, which had previously been subordinate to the Hittites, became independent. [87]

Laomedon of the independent Wilusa likely married his daughter Hesione to Miletus, an ally of Ahhiyawa, in an attempt to establish a marriage alliance with Miletus.

Hesione's marriage is estimated to have taken place in 1260 BC, a few years after the accession of Hattusili III (1265–35 BC), when the Hittites were becoming an increasing threat to Laomedon.

3.4.3.3 Hesione's Husband

Hesione's husband was the father of Trambelus and king of Leleges in Miletus. [88]

Hesione's husband is presumed to be the son of Aria's son Miletus, founder of Miletus. Aria's son Miletus was called Atpa in Hittite texts. [89]

Hesione's husband inherited Miletus from Atpa but was defeated by a Hittite army. Miletus became a Hittite vassal state, and Hesione's husband was pardoned and given Miletus in his care. [90]

3.4.3.4 Marriage Legend of Hesione and Telamon

Many legends relate the marriage of Hesione to Telamon, son of Aeacus. [91]

This legend is likely a fabrication intended to make Teucer, son of Telamon, the heir to the Trojan throne.

Teucer emigrated to Cyprus and founded Salamis, a city whose inhabitants were Trojans at the time.[92]

The rulers of Salamis, descendants of Teucer, are believed to have spread the false tale of their Trojan descent in order to subjugate the inhabitants. [93]

3.4.4 Priam's Mother

Priam rushed to the homeland of his mother, Leucippe (or Placia), to provide reinforcements when the Amazons attacked. [94]

Leucippe's father, Otreus, was a descendant of Dolion, son of Silenus, who was driven from Thessaly in 1390 BC and settled near Lake Ascania, southeast of the Propontis Sea. Cyzicus, who died fighting the Minyans, is likely the son of Otreus' son, Aeneus. [95]

Otreus belonged to the Doliones, who lived near Cyzicus from the Aesepus River to Lake Dascylitis. Aeneus' son, Cyzicus, was also a Dolionian. [96]

Otreus founded Otroea near Lake Ascania. [97]

Otreus' son, Aeneus, migrated westward and founded Placia. [98]

Otreus' daughter, Placia, married Laomedon of Ilium and became the mother of Priam. [99]

3.5 Age of Priam (1244-1188 BC)

3.5.1 Succession War

In 1244 BC, Laomedon's death led to a succession war. Walmu of Wilusa, defeated in the battle, fled to Milawata (Miletus). The Hittite king requested that his vassal, King Milawata, hand Walmu over to the Hittites so that he could be installed as king of Wilusa. [100]

This Walmu is presumably Laomedon's son, Priam (or Podarces), who would succeed Laomedon as king of Troy. [101]

Priam is believed to have fled to Miletus, seeking refuge with his sister, Hesione, who lived there.

Priam, together with the forces of the Hittites and Hittite vassals, attacked Ilium and recaptured the town.

3.5.2 Battles Formation

At least four major battles took place in Ilium.

The cause of all these battles was the fact that Ilus, the son of Tros, who lived in Dardanus, became king of Wilusa, a Hittite vassal state, and lived in Ilium.

Conflict arose between the descendants of Assaracus (or Asarakos), the son of Tros, who remained in Dardanus, and the descendants of Ilus, the son of Tros, who lived in Ilium, which was under Hittite influence.This conflict appears to have been caused by Hittite policy.

After recapturing Ilium, Priam expelled the descendants of Assaracus from Dardanus.

Priam's territory expanded from the area around Ilium to the coastal region of the Hellespont.

Wilusa came to be considered the same as Troy.

3.5.3 Priam's Wife, Hecuba

Priam had many children with several women, but his legal wife was Hecuba (or Hecabe), the mother of Hector. [102]

Hecuba was the daughter of Cisseus (or Dymas), son of Eioneus of Phrygia, on the Sangarius River. [103]

Eioneus was the grandson of Thynus, son of Phineus, son of Belus, who founded Salmydessus on the southwestern shore of the Black Sea. Thynus migrated east from Salmydessus, crossed the Bosporus Strait, and settled in Phrygia near Lake Ascania. [104]

Thynus's mother was Idaea, daughter of Dardanus and Bateia. Dardanus was the common ancestor of Priam and Hecuba. [105]

Through this marriage, Troy's rule extended to the Black Sea coast.

4 Pelops' Migration to Peloponnesus

4.1 Migration to Lydia

Pelops, the son of Tantalus and Tros' daughter Eurythemiste, was born near Mount Ida in the northwest of the Anatolian Peninsula. [106]

During Tros' reign, Tantalus and the Trojan royal family enjoyed friendly relations.

However, after Tros' son Ilus succeeded to the throne of Wilusa, a Hittite vassal state, Ilus expanded his territory to the surrounding areas. [107]

In 1325 BC, Tantalus, pursued by Ilus, fled from near Mount Ida to Pessinus, near the source of the Sangarius River in Phrygia. [108]

Ilus invaded Pessinus and fought Tantalus. Defeated, Tantalus migrated to Lydia near Mount Sipylus. [109]

Near Magnesia, north of Mount Sipylus, is the famous Sipylus, which in ancient times was called Tantalis. [110]

Tantalus later made his fortune mining the deposits around Mount Sipylus and Mount Tmolus. [111]

The Pactolus River, which originates in Mount Tmolus, was a source of large amounts of gold placer until the time of Croesus in the 6th century BC. [112]

4.2 Tantalus in Lydia

Uhha-Ziti and his two sons, Piyama-Kurunta and Tapalazunauli, who appear in Hittite texts, are presumably Tantalus and his two sons, Broteas and Pelops.

Lydia, where Tantalus migrated, was under the rule of Arzawa, as described in Hittite texts.

At the time, Arzawa was ruled by Tarhuntaradu's son, Maskhuiluwa, who succeeded him. [113]

Tantalus gained great wealth by mining gold from the deposits around Mount Sipylus. [114]

It is believed that Idaean Dactyls, who were engaged in mining around Mount Ida, also participated in Tantalus' migration to Lydia.

Tantalus, with the support of the Maeonians, descendants of Manes, whose common ancestor was the Pelasgians of Argos, deposed Maskhuiluwa and became king of Arzawa.

4.3 War against the Hittites

Expelled from Arzawa, Maskhuiluwa fled to the Hittite king Suppiluliuma I and married the king's daughter, Muwatti. [115]

Suppiluliuma I and his successor, Arnuwanda II, died of plague. The Hittites were unable to immediately launch a military campaign against Arzawa.

Arnuwanda II's successor, Mursili II, launched a campaign against Arzawa in the third year of his reign. [116]

The battle began when the people of Attarimma, Huwarsanassa, and Suruda fled to Arzawa and Mursili II demanded that Tantalus hand them over. [117]

When Tantalus refused, Mursili II marched on Apasas (Ephesus), where Tantalus had a base. Tantalus ordered Broteas to intercept the Hittite army, but Broteas was defeated. [118]

Subsequently, before the Hittite army reached Apasas, Tantalus fell ill and fled to the island. [119]

In 1318 BC, Tantalus' illness worsened and he died. [120]

Pelops crossed from the island to the mainland and fought against Mursili II's army, but was defeated and besieged. Pelops escaped safely, but his wife and sons were taken prisoner. [121]

Broteas crossed the island to the mainland to negotiate with Mursili II, but was sent back to Hattusa. [122]

4.4 Pelops' Migration to Greece

After the battle with Mursili II, Pelops stayed in likely Samos for about three years, hoping to recover his lost territory. Pelops then abandoned his hopes and traveled to Peloponnesus.

At that time, Pelops brought with him his son Chrysippus, born to Danais (or Axioche). [123]

End