Aegeus, legendary King of Athens receives a false message that his son by Aethra of Troezena and designated heir Theseus is dead. The later had been sent to his overlord Minos of Crete as an offering to Minotaur. Medus, Aegeus' only other son by Medea of Colchis had been exiled in Asia and would become legendary ancestor to the Medes. Believing himself without heirs the King commited suicide after a reign of 48 years. He is succeeded by the still living Theseus. The Aegean Sea is reportedly named in his honor.