Aratus (mythology)

Aratus is a figure appearing in Greek mythology, primarily associated with the foundation of the city of Achaea in the Peloponnese. Accounts of his parentage and role vary, but he is typically considered autochthonous, meaning he sprang from the earth itself, or was the son of the god Poseidon.

According to Pausanias, Aratus was a native (autochthon) who gathered the scattered inhabitants of the region around the River Iaon, which often flooded the area. He led them to a higher, more defensible location and founded a city, which he named Aroe. Aroe later became part of the Achaean League. Aratus is credited with bringing civilization and order to the previously dispersed and primitive peoples of the region.

His significance lies primarily in his role as a cultural hero and founder figure for the Achaean people. While details about his life and deeds are sparse and often legendary, his association with the origin and unity of Achaea cemented his place in regional mythology. He embodies the idea of a leader emerging from the land to bring organization and prosperity to its inhabitants.

The story of Aratus is an example of foundation myths common in ancient Greece. These myths served to legitimize the political and social structures of the time by connecting them to divine or semi-divine origins. While not one of the most widely known figures in Greek mythology, Aratus remains an important figure in understanding the local traditions and identity of Achaea.