Priam first kills Priam's son Polites in front of his father as he seeks sanctuary on the altar of Zeus. Priam rebukes Neoptolemus, throwing a spear at him, harmlessly hitting his shield. Neoptolemus then drags Priam to the altar and there kills him too. It has been suggested by Hittite sources, specifically the Manapa-Tarhunta letter, that there is historical basis for the archetype of King Priam. The letter describes one Piyama-Radu as a troublesome rebel who overthrew a Hittite client king and thereafter established his own rule over the city of Troy (mentioned as Wilusa in Hittite). There is also mention
Ilus of Troy Ilus of Troy In Greek mythology, Ilus (; Ancient Greek: Ἶλος "Ilos") was the founder of the city called "Ilios" or "Ilion" (Latinized as "Ilium") to which he gave his name. When the latter became the chief city of the Trojan people it was also often called "Troy", the name by which it is best known today. Ilus was son and heir to King Tros of Dardania and Callirhoe, naiad daughter of the river-god Scamander or Acallaris, daughter of Eumedes. He was the brother of Assaracus, Ganymede, Cleopatra and possibly, Cleomestra. Ilus was the father of Laomedon by his wife,