A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

(Κότυς).

1. A king of Paphlagonia, seems to have been the same whom Xenophon (Xen. Anab. 5.5.12, &c.) calls Corylas. Otys also is only another form of the name. A vassal originally of the Persian throne, he had thrown off his allegiance to Artaxerxes II., and, when summoned to court, as a test probably of his loyalty, had refused obedience. He therefore listened readily to the recommendation of Spithridates to enter into alliance with Sparta, and having met Agesilaus for this purpose on his entrance into Paphlagonia, he left with him a considerable reinforcement for his army. For this service Agesilaus rewarded Spithridates by negotiating a marriage for his daughter with Cotys, B. C. 395. (Xen. Hell. iv. 50.3, &c.) The subject of the present article has been identified by some with Thyus, whom Datames conquered and carried prisoner to Artaxerxes about B. C. 364; but this conjecture does not appear to rest on any valid grounds. (See Schneider, ad Xen. Hell. l.c.) [THYUS.]