A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Μενεσθεύς), a son of Peteus, an Athenian king, who led the Athenians against Troy, and surpassed all other mortals in arranging the war-steeds and men for battle (Hom. Il. 2.552, &c., 4.327; Philostr. Her. 2.16; Paus. 2.25.6). With the assistance of the Tyndarids, he is said to have driven Theseus from his kingdom, and to have died at Troy (Plut. Thes. 32, 35; Paus. 1.17.6). A second personage of this name occurs in Virgil. (Aen. 10.129.) [L.S.]