The Ciconians or Cicones, who lived on the
southwestern coast of Thrace, sided with Troy against the Achaean
invaders during the Trojan
War. On this occasion they were led by Euphemus 2 (son of Troezenus, son of Ceas), who may therefore be counted among the TROJAN LEADERS.
Another Ciconian leader during the Trojan War was Mentes 1, in whose shape Apollo adressed Hector 1,
encouraging him to fight for the arms of the dead Patroclus 1. The fate
of these two leaders has not been reported.
After the sack of Troy, Odysseus, on his
homeward way, came with his twelve ships to the
land of the Ciconians, where he pillaged the city
of Ismarus, not sparing anyone except a priest of Apollo called Maron 1, son of Evanthes 1. This Evanthes 1, who reigned in Marioneia, is said to be the son of Oenopion 1 (son of Ariadne, either by Theseus or by Dionysus 2), who is
said to have blinded Orion.
In the land of the Ciconians, the Achaeans gave
themselves to plunder and murder, and when they had
taken women and treasures, Odysseus said to his
men that they ought to be off, but as his soldiers
enjoyed the Ciconian wine and food, they kept drinking and butchering animals
by the shore, refusing to leave. Meanwhile, the
Ciconians received reinforcements from their
up-country neighbours, who were well trained at
fighting from chariots, or on foot. When they had
grouped, they attacked the Achaeans by the ships
and, after fighting for a whole day, they broke
their ranks. This is why the Achaeans put to sea,
and fled after suffering what may be considered as
heavy losses; for more than seventy men belonging
to Odysseus' army were
killed. |
