Amphion and Zethus


Amphion and Zethus

In Greek mythology, twin sons of Zeus by the mortal Antiope. As infants the two were left to die on Mount Cithaeron, but were found and raised by a shepherd. Amphion grew up to become a great musician and singer, while Zethus became a hunter and herdsman. According to legend, they built the city of Thebes after the stone blocks arranged themselves into walls at the sound of Amphion's lyre. Amphion became king of Thebes, and he married Niobe, with whom he had six sons and six daughters. When their children were killed by the gods, he committed suicide.

This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise.
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