Historiae Romanorum

Iobates

A king of Lycia.  When Proetus was driven from Argos by his brother Acrisius, he went to Iobates for help.  With a strong Lycian army at his command, Proetus returned to Argos and claimed half of the kingdom of his brother.

Later, Proetus looked to Iobates for help again.  When he wished to kill the hero Bellepheron, Proetus sent him to Iobates' court, with a sealed note instructing Iobates to kill him.

Not wanting to directly kill Bellepheron, Iobates sent him on a quest to kill the Chimaera, believing that there was no chance he would succeed.  Bellepheron traveled on the horse Pegasus to the beast, and managed to kill it by raining arrows down from above.

When Bellepheron returned, the shocked Iobates sent him on a second task, to attack the Amazons, which he did successfully.  Then, he told him to attack some of his own Lycians, a fierce people of the north, and Bellepheron once again returned alive.

Amazed at his ability, Iobates decided that the young man should live.  He showed him the letter from Proetus, and convinced Bellepheron to stay.  When Iobates died, he handed over his thrown to Bellepheron.

Source(s):

1. Apollodorus.  Bibliotece.

This page was last updated on July 21, 2004.