Theseus #11: Murdered in Exile
Regretting the loss of his friend Pirithous, Theseus makes his way back to Athens to find the city in rebellion. Helens brothers, Castor and Pollux, have rescued their sister and Athens is on the brink of war with the Spartans. A new Athenian king, Menestheus, has turned the citizens against Theseus, forcing him to send his children away and flee to the island of Scyros under the protection of King Lycomedes. But King lycomedes betrays Theseus, leading him up to a view point on a high cliff, and pushing him off to his death. Thus, Theseus life ends in murder and exile.
A few hundred years later, the Greeks fight the Persians in the battle of Marathon (490 B.C.) During this battle many warriors claim to see the ghost of Theseus leading a charge into battle. General Cimon receives a prophecy from the Oracle at Delphi, instructing him to retrieve Theseus body from Scyros. Cimon overtakes the island, and seeing an eagle digging, locates the giant bones of Theseus. Cimon relocates them back to Athens and seals them within a grand Tomb. In addition, in his honor, the temple known as the Theseion is built, as well as the creation of the festival Theseia.
The Theseion temple was established as hero-cult sanctuary for the poor and oppressed. The remains of a Doric temple North West of the Agora was thought to be the Theseion, but many modern scholars believe this to be the Temple of Hephaestus.
The actual tomb of Theseus was rumored to be near the Lyceum, and the design of the tomb is rumored to look like the Tomb of Mausolus in Halicarnassus There is much debate as to whether Theseus was a real, historical king, as his grave or body has never been found.
The Theseia Festival consisted of athletic competitions for Athenian males to compete and show their military skills as well as processions and sacrifices.
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From Tyler Miles Lockett - Get Ready for Lockett Illustrated; Greek Gods and Heroes
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