The Cicones were a Thracian tribe who inhabited the towns of Ismaros and Zerynthos during the 12th century BC. The Cicones, led by Euphemus, fought in the Trojan War on the side of the Trojans, but Odysseus took Ismara by surprise during his journey home from the war and slew most of the Ciconian men. However, Ciconian reinforcements massacred most of Odysseus' Greek warriors and forced them to flee in their ships. It was said that the Cicones were also responsible for the murder of Orpheus after he rejected their advances.