Questions about Epigoni

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who were the Epigoni in Greek mythology?

The Epigoni were the sons of dead heroes who gathered in Argos to avenge their fathers during the second war against Thebes. Apollodorus listed nine sons including Aegialeus and Alcmaeon as leaders of this group while Pausanias added Polydorus and Timeas.

When did the Epigoni fight the second war against Thebes?

Ten years had passed since the first war began its cycle of bloodshed before the Epigoni fought the second war. Herodotus referenced the epic poem about these events as early as the fifth century BCE.

Where did the Epigoni statues stand after the war ended?

Statues of the Epigoni stood at Argos honoring their fathers' legacy near temples dedicated to gods like Apollo. Another set of statues existed at Delphi according to Pausanias travel writings where travelers could see them carved into marble or bronze forms.

Why did Alcmaeon lead the Epigoni army instead of Thersander?

Alcmaeon led the Epigoni into battle when the Delphic oracle promised victory if he commanded them. Pausanias recorded that Thersander became king instead of Alcmaeon leading the charge but Apollodorus claimed Alcmaeon led the army.

What happened to the lost epic poem titled Epigoni?

Only fragments survive from Sophocles tragedy titled Epigoni discovered through papyrology research and an additional fragment appeared in 2005 during a scholarly excavation. Most of the text remains missing despite efforts to reconstruct it while scholars continue searching for new pieces among ancient scrolls and inscriptions.