Priam was born Podarces, youngest son of king Laomedon, who was killed, along with his other sons, by Heracles. Priam's elder sister, Hesione, bought his life with a veil of gold. Thus he changed his name to Priam (from priatos, ransomed). Priam was proclaimed king of a weak and feeble Troy and spent decades rebuilding the city and its profound wealth. He eventually became a well-known and well-repsected monarch.