The name is derived from Dardania, an ancient land on the Asian shore of the strait which in turn takes its name from Dardanus, the mythical son of Zeus and Electra.
In the battle, the Spartan fleet under Mindarus attempted to rescue a small allied fleet that had been driven ashore at Dardanus, but was attacked by the Athenian fleet, under Thrasybulus.
Dardanus was converted to Christianity and then retired to the Alps, where he began a correspondence with Jerome and Augustine of Hippo.
In Greek mythology, Dardanus (Δάρδανος), one of the sons of Illyrius (the others being Enchelus, Autarieus, Maedus, Taulas, and Perrhaebus) was the eponymous ancestor of the Dardanoi (Δάρδανοι).
The Salii are also given an origin in connection with Dardanus and the Samothracian Penates, or the Salius who came to Italy with Evander and in the Aeneid competed in the funeral games of Anchises.