In Greek mythology, Amphiaraus (Amphiaraos) was an Argive seer, great-grandson of Melampus, and one of the leaders of the Seven against Thebes. Foreseeing the expedition's ruin, he refused until his wife Eriphyle—bribed with the necklace of Harmonia—compelled him to go. Zeus swallowed him alive beneath the earth; he received hero cult as a healing oracular god at the Amphiareion of Oropos.
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I.Family and foresight
Amphiaraus was son of Oicles (Hyginus names his mother Hypermnestra; some authors make him son of Apollo). He married Eriphyle, sister of Adrastus, and by her fathered Alcmaeon and Amphilochus; Pausanias also records daughters. Favored by Zeus and Apollo, he was counted among the Calydonian hunters and, in some lists, the Argonauts.
He knew the Theban war would destroy its leaders and at first refused Adrastus. Polynices bribed Eriphyle with Harmonia's necklace; she overruled her husband. Before departing, Amphiaraus charged his sons to avenge him by killing their mother if he did not return.
II.Thebes, the earth, and cult
On the march he repeatedly foretold disaster. In battle he fled Periclymenus; Zeus struck with a thunderbolt and the earth opened, swallowing Amphiaraus, his charioteer Baton, and the chariot before he could be dishonored. Alcmaeon later fulfilled the vengeance, killing Eriphyle, and was pursued by the Erinyes.
As a chthonic hero he was consulted at Oropos: after a small offering, petitioners slept in the sanctuary and received healing or oracular dreams. Games called the Amphiaria were celebrated in his honor. Roman tradition also linked a son of his to the founding of Tibur (Tivoli).