Tydeus was an Aetolian hero in Greek mythology, belonging to the generation before the Trojan War. He was one of the Seven against Thebes, and the father of Diomedes, who is frequently known by the patronymic Tydides.
Tydeus, fighting with the soldiers of Eteocles
Tydeus and Ismene, Corinthian black-figure amphora, c. 560 BC, Louvre (E 640)
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
