Cecrops

Overview

Cecrops is an early mythical king of Attica and Athens, traditionally described as autochthonous — born from the land itself. He is closely associated with the earliest Athenian traditions and with the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the city.

Generation

Early Mythic Age

Symbols

Athens, Attica, serpent form

Notes

Cecrops is one of the earliest legendary kings associated with Athens and Attica.

He is traditionally described as autochthonous, meaning that he was born from the land itself rather than belonging to an ordinary human genealogy.

Ancient art and literature sometimes represent Cecrops with a partly human and partly serpentine form, reflecting his connection with the earth of Attica.

Cecrops belongs to the mythological period in which the identity and religious traditions of Athens are being established.

He is particularly associated with the dispute between Athena and Poseidon over possession of Attica.

Ancient versions of the contest differ over exactly who judged the rival divine claims. Cecrops nevertheless appears prominently in traditions surrounding the event and the signs produced by Athena and Poseidon on the Acropolis.

Athena ultimately becomes the patron goddess of the city that takes her name, while Poseidon continues to hold an important place in Athenian religion.

Cecrops therefore represents the earliest legendary kingship of Athens and provides a human or autochthonous link between the land of Attica and its major divine cults.