Tectamus [1] (Ancient Greek: Τέκταμος "craftsman",[2] derived from tectainomai "to build", "plan", from tecton, "carpenter", "builder") was a king of Crete and hero of ancient Hellenic mythology. He was also called Tectaphus (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Τέκταφος), Teutamus (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Τεύταμος), Tectauus (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Τεκταῦος) and Tectaeus (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Τεκταῖος).
Joseph Vendryes had suggested that the name Teutamus, after the legendary Pelasgian founder, may contain the Proto-Indo-European root ('tribe, people').[3] Later scholars proposed a relation of Pelasgian Teutamus with similar names that appear in Italy in later times.[4]
Tectamus was the son of Dorus and grandson of Hellen. According to Diodorus Siculus, Tectamus invaded Crete together with a horde of Aeolian and Pelasgian settlers and became the island's king.[5] It was the third of the tribes that migrated to Crete. According to another version, Tectamus was a chief of Dorians and Achaeans.[6] He married Cretheus' (Cres’) daughter who gave birth to his son Asterion.
Historian Ctesias wrote of a king of "Assyrian" provenance named Teutamus, and this historical personage appears in an epic tale involving Memnon, son of Eos.[7]