Scamander

Scamander, the ancient name of a river in the Troad (see TROY), which was also called Xanthus (Gr., 'yellow') by the gods. As a divinity Scamander took an important part in the Trojan war through its destructive floods. The river rose in Mount Ida and discharged itself into the Hellespont, after being joined by the Simois about two miles from its mouth: the two rivers, however, since the 1st century A.D. have had separate courses. There has been much controversy as to what modern river corresponds to the ancient Scamander; but recent investigators have decided in favour of the Menderes.