The Greek tradition has the Lycians coming from Crete when Minos and his brother Sarpedon quarrelled for power. Minos won and Sarpedon and his followers left for Asia and settled in Lycia, driving out the Solymi. Dated as late 15th century in Greek tradition. Hittite records suggest around 1400BC. Herodotus notes that Lycians reckon their lineage by mothers not their fathers. The children of a female citizen were legitimate irrespective of the status of the father whereas the children of a male citizen from a foreigner, slave or concubine were illegitimate.
