Knossos wanted to strengthen their hegemony of Crete, but received opposition from the Lyttians. In response Knossos employed foreign mercenaries under the former Phocian leader Phalaikos.
Knossos sought to expand their power in Crete, facing resistance from the Lyttians. They countered this by employing mercenaries under the former leader of the Phocians, Phalaikos.