As with much of Africa, the region of Libya was viewed in the lens of Greek mythology as a distant place. While Greeks are known to have been in contact with Africa since at least the
Bronze Age, trade was largely centered on exchange with Egypt, from which it is likely that the term Libya actually originates (specifically in reference to the tribe of
Libu). Personified as an individual, Libya was the daughter of
Epaphus, the mythological king of Egypt and alleged founder of the city of
Memphis. The mother of Libya is disputed, with some texts declaring her mother to be
Memphis, daughter of the
river-god Nilus. In Hyginus'
Fabulae as well as Isidore of Seville's
Etymologies, her mother was called Cassiopeia. Libya was ravished by the god
Poseidon to whom she bore twin sons,
Belus and
Agenor. Some sources name a third son, named
Lelex. According to late accounts, Lybee (Libya) was the daughter of
Munantius (i.e. Epaphus) who consorted instead with Zeus and became the mother of Belus. Libya is also the mother of
Calliste by
Triton. ==Argive genealogy in Greek mythology==