In Greek mythology, Telephassa, also known as Argiope, was Queen of Tyre. She had several children, including Europa, Cilix and Cadmus. Her husband was Agenor. (Or possiblibly her husband was Phoenix in version in which Cadmus and Europa and their brothers are sons of Phoenix. See Agenor and Phoenix).

Zeus saw Europa gathering flowers and immediately fell in love with her. Zeus transformed himself into a white bull and carried Europa away to the island of Crete. He then revealed his true identity and Europa became the first queen of Crete.

Europa's brother, Cadmus, went on a quest to find his disappeared sister. Upon consult of the oracle of Delphi, he was advised to travel until encountering a cow. He was to follow this cow and to found a city where the cow would lay down; this city became Thebes.

Cilix, Europa's other brother, also searched for her and settled down in Asia Minor. The land was called Cilicia after him.