Dardanus and the Origins of Troy — Greek Myth

The Story

Long before Priam, Hector or Paris, the Trojan royal family traced its ancestry back to Dardanus.

Dardanus became associated with the region later known as Dardania.

Through his descendants the dynasty continued through Erichthonius and Tros.

Tros then became the ancestor from whom the Trojans took their name.

His son Ilus was associated with the foundation of Ilium, while another branch through Assaracus eventually produced Anchises and Aeneas.

The story of Troy therefore does not begin with the Trojan War.

Greek mythology imagined a much older royal genealogy extending back through generations of kings.

Dardanus stands close to the beginning of that tradition.

His descendants eventually divided into branches that produced both Priam, ruler of Troy during its destruction, and Aeneas, one of the most important survivors of the city.

Key Figures

Aeneas Later descendant of the Dardanian royal line Assaracus Ancestor of Anchises and Aeneas Capys Descendant of Assaracus in the line leading to Anchises Dardanus Ancestral founder of the Trojan royal line Erichthonius of Dardania Early king in the Dardanian royal genealogy Priam Later king descended from the Trojan royal line Tros Descendant of Dardanus and eponymous ancestor of the Trojans

Why It Matters

Dardanus establishes the earliest major stage of the Trojan royal genealogy and connects the later lines of Priam and Aeneas.

Traditions & Variations

Ancient traditions differ over Dardanus' origins, migrations and the precise geography associated with his settlement.

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