Royal Houses

In ancient Greece, a city would dominate the surrounding countryside. More powerful cities would have a citadel situated in a strategic position in the city, generally on higher ground. Within these walled strongholds, temples were built for the worship of their gods and the nobles resided in magnificent palaces.

The ruler of the city was often a king, though sometimes it was ruled by a queen. It was important for a kingdom that the king have an heir to succeed him. Therefore, it was vital that he married and started a family. The king would marry his daughters or sons to powerful families within his own kingdom, and sometimes to other families from different kingdoms, forming strong alliances and hoping to ensure prosperity and security for his own kingdom.

Yet, an alliance easily formed could also be easily broken. Wars could break out not only from foreign kingdoms, but also within one's own family. Strife and bloodshed could spread like wildfire, with brother turning against brother, son against father, or uncle against nephew.

Here are some of the stories of the kingdoms' most powerful families. There are stories where tragedies and curses follow them. There are stories on families in Mycenae, Argos and Thebes. Also included here are the Aeolids (descendants of Aeolus) and the House of Troy. I may include more families in the future.