People > Caranus of Macedon

Caranus of Macedon

Background

Caranus or Karanos (Greek: Κάρανος) is a significant figure in the legendary history of ancient Macedonia, traditionally considered the first king and the mythical founder of the Argead dynasty. While historical sources like Herodotus attribute the founding of the Macedonian kingdom to Perdiccas I, later traditions and sources such as Theopompus present Caranus as the kingdom's first ruler.

Background and Lineage

• Heraclid Lineage: Caranus is described as a descendant of Heracles, the Greek hero. This lineage is emphasized by sources like Plutarch, who trace Alexander the Great's ancestry back to Heracles through Caranus.
• Father: Caranus was the son of Temenus, king of Argos, one of the leaders of the Dorian invasion of the Peloponnese. Temenus, along with Cresphontes and Aristodemus, divided the conquered territories among themselves.

Myth and Establishment of the Kingdom

Conflict and Departure

• Division of Territories: After the death of Temenus, the Dorian leaders divided the conquered lands: Cresphontes took Messenia and Sparta, Aristodemus took Laconia, and Temenus received Argos.
• Struggle for Kingship: Following Temenus's death, a power struggle ensued among his sons. Pheidon, one of Caranus's brothers, emerged victorious and took control of Argos, prompting Caranus to seek a new kingdom.

Oracle of Delphi

• Consulting the Oracle: Caranus sought guidance from the Oracle of Delphi. The Pythia advised him to find his kingdom in a place where he would see an abundance of game and domestic animals.

Founding of Aigai

• Journey North: Caranus traveled north with his followers, searching for the land described by the oracle.
• Discovery of Aigai: He eventually found a fertile valley teeming with game and goats, interpreting this as the fulfillment of the oracle's prophecy. There, he established the city of Aigai (Greek: Αἰγαί), which became the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom. Aigai, present-day Vergina, is an important archaeological site where numerous significant findings have been unearthed, including royal tombs.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Argead Dynasty: Caranus is credited with founding the Argead dynasty, which would eventually lead to the rise of notable kings such as Philip II and Alexander the Great.
• Cultural Mythology: The story of Caranus underscores the importance of oracles and divine guidance in Greek mythology and the founding legends of ancient states.
• Vergina: The historical site of Aigai (Vergina) remains a critical location for understanding ancient Macedonian culture and history. The archaeological discoveries there have provided substantial insights into the early history of the Macedonian kingdom.

Conclusion

Caranus, though a legendary figure with a somewhat mythical narrative, occupies an essential place in the traditional history of Macedonia. His story, intertwined with themes of divine prophecy and heroic lineage, reflects the cultural and historical ethos of the ancient Greeks. The legacy of Caranus and the establishment of Aigai symbolize the beginnings of what would become a powerful and influential kingdom under the Argead dynasty.

Sources

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