CRANAUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Cranaus was one of the early kings of Athens in Greek mythology, potentially second in the line of kings after Cecrops.
The Autochthonous Cranaus
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Cranaus was one of the Autochthonous rulers of Athens. Cranaus was thus one of the “sons of the soil”, individuals closely associated with Athens who were said to have sprung forth from the soil of Attica.
Cranaus would succeed Cecrops as King of Athens, for it was said that Cecrops died with no male heir. It was during the rule of Cranaus that the Deluge of Deucalion occurred. |
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King Cranaus
Cranaus married a woman from Lacedaemonia named Pedias, and became father to three daughters, Atthis, Cranae and Cranaechme. Some also name Rarus as a son of Cranaus, making Cranaus potentially grandfather of Triptolemus.
It is commonly said that Cranaus named the region of Attica after his daughter Atthis, after death.
Now whilst some say that Atthis died a maiden, other tells of her being married to a man called Amphictyon, who was probably a son of Deucalion.
Amphictyon would usurp his father-in-law, forcing Cranaus to flee, ending Cranaus’ ten years of rule. Cranaus was said to have fled to Lamptrae, a demos of Attica, and it was here that the former king died, and in antiquity his tomb was said to have been found there as well.
It is commonly said that Cranaus named the region of Attica after his daughter Atthis, after death.
Now whilst some say that Atthis died a maiden, other tells of her being married to a man called Amphictyon, who was probably a son of Deucalion.
Amphictyon would usurp his father-in-law, forcing Cranaus to flee, ending Cranaus’ ten years of rule. Cranaus was said to have fled to Lamptrae, a demos of Attica, and it was here that the former king died, and in antiquity his tomb was said to have been found there as well.
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Colin Quartermain - Cranaus - 16th February 2026