The Story of Amphiaraus
Amphiaraus was a seer and warrior from Argos, and a descendant of the great prophet Melampus. He married Eriphyle, the sister of King Adrastus, and swore that she would settle any dispute between the two men. Through his gift of prophecy, he foresaw that the war of the Seven Against Thebes would end in disaster and that he would die in it.
Amphiaraus refused to join, but the exiled Theban prince Polynices bribed Eriphyle with the necklace of Harmonia, and she sent her husband to war. Before he left, he told his son Alcmaeon to avenge him. As the Argive army collapsed at Thebes, Amphiaraus fled in his chariot, and before an enemy spear could strike him in the back, Zeus split the earth with a thunderbolt and it swallowed him, chariot and all.
Amphiaraus was worshipped as a hero and healing god who gave prophecies through dreams. His most famous sanctuary, the Amphiareion at Oropos near Athens, drew visitors who slept there hoping he would show them the cure for their illness or the answer to their question. His son Alcmaeon later killed Eriphyle to avenge his father's death.
Famous Myths About Amphiaraus
The Necklace of Harmonia
Amphiaraus foresaw that the war of the Seven Against Thebes would end in disaster and refused to join. But he had sworn to let his wife Eriphyle settle any dispute, and she was bribed with the necklace of Harmonia to send him to war.
Swallowed by the Earth
As the Argive army collapsed at Thebes, Amphiaraus fled in his chariot. Before an enemy spear could strike him in the back, Zeus split the earth with a thunderbolt and swallowed him alive, and he became an oracle god.
Amphiaraus's Family Tree
Parents of Amphiaraus
Partners of Amphiaraus
Children of Amphiaraus
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphiaraus
Who was Amphiaraus in Greek mythology?
Amphiaraus was a seer and a king of Argos, and one of the Seven Against Thebes.
Why did Amphiaraus join the Seven Against Thebes?
Amphiaraus foresaw that he would die at Thebes, but his wife Eriphyle, bribed with the necklace of Harmonia, made him go. Before leaving, he made his son Alcmaeon promise to avenge him.
How did Amphiaraus die?
As Amphiaraus fled from Thebes, Zeus split the earth with a thunderbolt and it swallowed him along with his chariot. He was later worshiped as a hero with a healing oracle.
Explore More Heroes of Greek Mythology
