The Seven against Thebes were seven champions in Greek mythology who made war on Thebes. They were chosen by Adrastus, the king of Argos, to be the captains of an Argive army whose purpose was to restore Oedipus' son Polynices to the Theban throne. Adrastus, although always the leader of the expedition against Thebes, was not always counted as one of the Seven champions. Usually the Seven were Polynices, Tydeus, Amphiaraus, Capaneus, Parthenopaeus, Hippomedon, and Adrastus or Eteoclus, whenever Adrastus is excluded. They tried and failed to take Thebes, and all but Adrastus died in the attempt.
Etruscan funerary urn showing the battle of Polynices and Eteocles, in the Museo archeologico e d'arte della Maremma
Capaneus scales the city wall of Thebes, Campanian red-figure Neck-amphora attributed to the Caivano Painter, ca. 340 BC, J. Paul Getty Museum (92.AE.86).
Tydeus kills Ismene, Late Corinthian amphora, c. 560 BC, Louvre (E 640).
Aeschylus, author of Seven Against Thebes. Roman copy after a Greek original of the 4th century BC
Thebes is a city in Boeotia, Central Greece, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is the largest city in Boeotia and a major center for the area along with Livadeia and Tanagra.
View of Thebes.
Remains of the Cadmea, the central fortress of ancient Thebes
Archeological museum of Thebes
Theban workshop (Oinochoe type), 7th century BC
