With a background as a computer systems engineer and analyst, Amita Vadlamudi also has an interest in history and ancient cultures. Amita Vadlamudi has a particular interest in ancient Greek philosophy and mythology. One of the most tragic of the Greek myths, the story of Theseus and the Minotaur involves the half-man, half-bull son of Queen Pasiphae and Zeus, who came to earth in the form of a bull.

Embarrassed by the minotaur, Queen Pasiphae’s husband King Minos secreted him in a labyrinth built at one of his palaces in Crete. Aegeus’ son Theseus was one of several men who went to the labyrinth, determined to kill the minotaur and stop a practice of human sacrifices. Theseus was aided by King Minos’ daughter, Princess Ariadne, who gave him a thread that he could unspool as he progressed through the maze, enabling him to find his way out. Slaying the minotaur, Theseus left Crete with Princess Ariadne and returned to his native Athens. Unfortunately, Theseus was so overwhelmed by his victory that he forgot to change out the black sails, which his father had instructed him to do, should he return alive. Seeing the black sails on the horizon, Aegeus committed suicide by jumping in what was henceforth known as the Aegean Sea.