Epidamnus (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Epidamnus (Ancient Greek: Ἐπίδαμνος) was a son of Poseidon and Melanippe, daughter of Alpheus. He was the eponym and founder of the city of Epidamnus on the Illyrian coast, later known as Dyrrachium under Roman rule, and now Durrës in Albania.

The founding of Epidamnus is often linked to the tale of Alcinoüs, king of the Phaeacians, who, according to some accounts, provided shelter to Epidamnus after he was exiled from Thessaly. Epidamnus then established the colony and named it after himself, honoring the hospitality he received.

While not a major figure in the wider Greek mythological canon, Epidamnus' significance lies primarily in his connection to the historical city. The city's strategic location along the Adriatic Sea contributed to its importance in trade and warfare throughout antiquity. The association of the city's name with a figure from mythology helped legitimize its founding and provided a connection to the broader Greek cultural narrative.