What is "cleitus"

Cleitus is the English form of the personal name Kleitos (Greek Κλείτος, which may in turn derive from Greek kleos glory). It has been adopted as an English personal name in modern times mainly in the U.S., and usually with a modern spelling Claitus. Classical scholarship uses the traditional spelling.

It may refer to:

• In ancient history:
  • Cleitus the Black (c. 375–328 BC), a Macedonian officer and friend of Alexander the Great, killed by the latter after an argument.
  • Cleitus the White, a Macedonian officer who rose to prominence after Alexander the Great's death.
  • Cleitus the Illyrian, an Illyrian king.
• Cleitus (mythology), name of multiple figures in Greek mythology

Cleitus ( Ancient Greek: Κλεῖτος; ruled c. 335 – 295 BC) was an Illyrian king of the Dardanian State attested in 335 BC. Cleitus was the son of Bardylis and the father of Bardylis II.

Cleitus was the mastermind behind the well structured Illyrian Revolt of 335 BC. Cleitus entered into an agreement with the Taulantii State under Glaucias and the Autariatae State under Pleurias. Cleitus had captured and garrisoned the city of Pelion and waited for Glaucias' troops to arrive. However, Alexander arrived on the scene first and blockaded Cleitus within the city walls. Glaucias came to Cleitus' aid, and the Macedonians were forced to retreat. Alexander came back with more equipment and supplies and skillfully drove Glaucias' army from the surrounding heights, preventing Cleitus from engaging with Glaucias.

After a three-day truce, Alexander found the Taulantii camp unguarded and eliminated the Illyrians under the cover of night. Cletius managed to escape and kept his throne, probably as a vassal under the Macedonian Kingdom.

In Greek mythology, Cleitus or Clitus (; Greek Κλεῖτος/Κλειτός Kleitos) may refer to:

• Cleitus, a Trojan, son of Peisenor, friend of Polydamas, killed by Teucer.
• Cleitus, another Trojan, son of Agamestor and a nymph, killed by Podalirius.
• Cleitus, son of Mantius, who was abducted by Eos because of his beauty. After his death, he was placed among other immortals. He was the father of Coeranus and grandfather of Polyeidos.
• Cleitus, son of Polyeidos, thus great-grandson of the precedent.
• Cleitus, son of Aegyptus and Tyria, who married (and was killed by) Cleite, daughter of Danaus and Memphis.
• Cleitus, suitor of Pallene, daughter of Sithon of Thrace. He eventually won Pallene's hand and inherited Sithon's kingdom. Thus he may be the same as the Sithonian king Cleitus whose daughter Chrysonoe married Proteus.
• Cleitus, a minstrel at the court of Priamus.