CAUCO´NES
Eth.
CAUCO´NES (
Καύκωνες), are mentioned by Homer, along with the Leleges and Pelasgians, as auxiliaries of the Trojans. (
Il. 10.429,
20.329.)
According to Strabo, they dwelt near the Mariandyni, upon the sea-coast of Bithynia and Paphlagonia, and had possession of the city Tieium.
The most different opinions prevailed respecting their origin; some supposing them to be Scythians, others Macedonians, and others again Pelasgians. (
Strab. viii. p.345, xii. p. 542.)
[p. 1.573]
The Caucones are also mentioned among the most ancient inhabitants of Greece. (
Strab. vii. p.321.)
As they disappeared in the historical period, little could be known respecting them; but according to the general opinion they were the most ancient inhabitants of that part of Peloponnesus, which was afterwards called Elis. Strabo says that they were a migratory Arcadian people, who settled in Elis, where they were divided into two principal tribes, of which one dwelt in Triphylia, and the other in Hollow Elis.
The latter extended as far as Dyme in Achaia, in the neighbourhood of which there was a tributary of the Teutheas bearing the name of Caucon. (Strab. viii. pp. 342, 345, 353.) The Caucones in Triphylia are mentioned by Homer, and are called by Herodotus the Pylian Caucones. (
Hom. Od. 3.366;
Hdt. 1.147.) They were driven out of Triphylia by the Minyae. (
Hdt. 4.148.)
