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Quasi-mythological Corinthian citizen and founder of the colony of Syracuse in Sicily.

Contents

Legend

Sources

Legend

In the Corinthian version of the myth of Actaeon, Archias falls in love with the the son of Melissus, young Actaeon - the most handsome and modest youth of his age in the city - and proceeds to court him. Finding that "no fair means or persuasion" prevailed upon the youth, Archias makes plans to kidnap him. Under the guise of inviting himself to Melissus' house in order to take part in a feast, Archias and his accomplices lay hands on the boy and attempt to spirit him away. The family resists, and in the ensuing tug of war Actaeon is torn apart.
Melissus demanded justice of the Corinthians, but was ignored by them. In return he climbed to the top of Poseidon's temple, invoked the god's wrath as vengeance for his son's murder and threw himself onto the rocks. A great droguht and famine resulted, and the oracle, upon being consulted, announced that the death of Actaeon had to be avenged. Archias went into voluntary exile, and let a group of Corinthians into Sicily where they established the colony of Syracuse.
After establishing the town and fathering two daughters, Archias was "treacherously" slain by his old eromenos, Telephus, whom he had taken advantage of when Telephus was still a boy.

Sources

★ Plutarch, ''Moralia'' "Five Tragical Histories of Love" II