Menestheus, the son of Peteus , was a legendary King of Athens during the Trojan War. He was set up as king by the Dioscuri when Theseus travelled to the underworld, and when Theseus returned Menestheus exiled him from Athens. He was one of the suitors of Helen, and when the war started he brought "fifty black ships" to Troy. He was one of the warriors in the Trojan Horse. After the sack of Troy he sailed to Mimas, then to Melos where he became king. When he died, Athens passed back to the family of Theseus.
