AEACUS, in Greek legend, was the son of Zeus and of Aegina, daughter of the river-god Asopus. His mother was car ried off by Zeus to the island of Oenone, afterwards called by her name. The island having been depopulated by a pestilence, Zeus changed the ants upon it into human beings (Ovid, Met., vii. 52o), who were called Myrmidones (murmekes = ants). Aeacus ruled so impartially that after his death he was made judge of the lower world, together with Minos and Rhadaman thus. His successful prayer to Zeus for rain at a time of drought was commemorated by a temple at Aegina (Pausanias ii. 29), where a festival (Aiakeia) was held in his honour.