On an Etruscan tomb dedicated to Racvi Satlnei in Bologna (5th century BC) there is an inscription that says aivastelmunsl, which means ' of Telamonian Ajax'. Many illustrious Athenians, including Cimon, Miltiades, Alcibiades and the historian Thucydides, traced their descent from Ajax. Heracles then bade the parents call their son Ajax after the eagle. Zeus sent an eagle ( aetos – αετός) as a sign. Hesiod, however, includes a story in ' The Great Eoiae' that indicates Ajax received his name when Heracles prayed to Zeus that a son might be born to Telemon and Eriboea.
His given name is derived from the root of αἰάζω 'to lament', translating to 'one who laments mourner'. Through his uncle Peleus (Telamon's brother), he is the cousin of Achilles, and is the elder half-brother of Teucer. See also: Trojan War in literature and the artsĪjax is the son of Telamon, who was the son of Aeacus and grandson of Zeus, and his first wife Periboea. Outcome: Greek victory, destruction of Troy
