The last king of Troy was Priam, a mythological ruler whose death marked the end of the Trojan royal line during the fall of the city. He was the son of Laomedon and the father of Hector, Paris, and other notable Trojans.
Priam ruled Troy during the Trojan War, a conflict sparked by his son Paris's abduction of Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. His family tree included 50 sons and many daughters, making him a central figure in Homer's Iliad.
Priam played a key role in the war, attempting to negotiate peace with the Greeks. However, his efforts failed, and Troy was destroyed. His death came at the hands of Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, who killed him on the altar of Zeus.
Priam's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and the futility of war. His reign and death symbolize the end of an era, as Troy's destruction led to the dispersal of its people.
According to legend, some Trojans, including Aeneas, survived and later founded Rome. This mythological connection ties Priam's legacy to the origins of Roman civilization.
Many assume that Priam was the first king of Troy, but he was actually the last. The city had a long history of rulers before him, including his father Laomedon and grandfather Ilus.
Priam's reign was the final chapter in Troy's mythological narrative, making him a key figure in ancient Greek mythology.
For more on legendary rulers, see this guide.