Theseus and Athens (copy)

Theseus

A legendary Greek hero, King of Athens who united Attica under Athens' political leadership.

Cecrops

The founder of Athens, known for his unique, half-human and half-snake appearance.

Heroic adventures

A series of labours Theseus undertook before becoming king, akin to those of Hercules.

Kylix

A type of drinking cup that records some of Theseus' labours.

Aegeus

King of Athens who consulted the oracle at Delphi regarding having an heir.

Pittheus

King of Troezen who helped Aegeus understand the oracle's reply.

Aethra

Daughter of Pittheus, mother of Theseus who conceived him after an encounter with Aegeus.

Divine heritage

Theseus was born from both human (Aegeus) and godly (Poseidon) parentage.

Sandals and sword

Items left by Aegeus under a rock to be lifted by his worthy son, Theseus.

The Rock

The place where Aegeus left his sandals and sword for Theseus to retrieve.

Ariadne's thread

(Bonus term, not in notes) A tool that helped Theseus navigate the labyrinth.

Two routes to Athens

1. By boat (easy), 2. Land route full of villains and monsters (hard).

Heracles

A legendary hero with whom Theseus shares divine familial ties.

Land route

The dangerous path that Theseus chose to take to prove his worth.

Oracle of Delphi

A prophetic figure that Aegeus consulted regarding his heir.

Aegeus' fear

Concern for Theseus' life from jealousy of his cousins.

Role of Athena

Goddess who appeared in Aethra's dream, linking Theseus' birth with divine intervention.

Cousins

Theseus and Heracles are related through their divine fathers, Poseidon and Zeus.

Theseus' maturity

The time when Theseus is able to lift the rock and claim his father's items.

Troezen

The location where Aegeus left Aethra and later Theseus was raised.

Legends of heroes

In Greek mythology, heroes undertake significant challenges to prove their worth.

Aethra's role

The mother of Theseus who played an essential part in his conception and upbringing.

Villains and monsters

Threats that Theseus faced on the land route to Athens.

Achievements of Heracles

Theseus looked up to Heracles' labours as a standard for his own adventuring.

Divine characteristics

The combination of human and godly traits possessed by Theseus.

Political leadership of Athens

The role Theseus took on upon his return as king.

Cousins' rivalry

Potential jealousy and conflict between Theseus and his cousins in Troezen.