The Probert Encyclopaedia of Greek & Roman Mythology

AEGEUS

Aegeus was a king of Athens. He gave his name to the Aegean sea. His son, Theseus, went to Crete to free Athens from the tribute exacted by Minos. Theseus pledged that if he succeeded he would hoist a white sail upon his return voyage as a signal of his safety. Neglecting to hoist the signal, king Aegeus seeing Theseus' ship returning assumed Theseus was dead and committed suicide by throwing himself into the sea.
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