Androgeus was the son of King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë of Crete, whose death sparked a war between Crete and Athens.
Androgeus traveled to Athens to compete in athletic games. He was so successful that, moved by jealousy or perhaps political motivation, King Aegeus of Athens challenges Androgeus to hunt the dangerous Marathonian Bull. Androgeus is killed during the hunt and Minos, devastated and enraged, blames Athens for the loss and defeats them in war. As payment for the death of Androgeus, Minos decreed that Athens would be required to send 14 sacrifices every 9 years – 7 boys and 7 girls.
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