Laomedon

Laomedon succeeded his father, Ilus, as the king of Troy, and his reign is characterized by the expansion and fortification of the city. He is credited with overseeing the construction of Troy's massive walls, which were said to be built with the help of the gods themselves, illustrating the city's importance and the divine interest in its fate. According to myth, after winning a war, Laomedon sought to fortify Troy's defenses. He enlisted the help of Poseidon and Apollo, who were obligated to perform a year of servitude to a mortal as punishment by Zeus for a previous rebellion. Poseidon built the walls, while Apollo tended the flocks; Laomedon promised them great rewards for their labor, including horses that could run over water.

Upon the completion of the walls, Laomedon reneged on his promise and refused to give the gods their due rewards. This betrayal angered Poseidon and Apollo, leading to severe consequences for Troy. Poseidon sent a sea monster to ravage Troy's coast as punishment, while Apollo sent a plague. These calamities underscored the gods' displeasure and foreshadowed the city's eventual downfall. The myth of Hercules further entangles with Laomedon's story through the hero's quest to obtain the divine horses promised to him for his assistance in defending Troy from the sea monster. When Laomedon again broke his promise, Hercules mounted an expedition against Troy, during which he killed Laomedon and his sons, except for Podarces (later known as Priam), who was saved by his sister Hesione. Priam would go on to succeed Laomedon as king of Troy and reign during the Trojan War.