Alcmaeon

In the Theban cycle’s chronology Alcmaeon belongs to the generation called the Epigoni that followed the Seven against Thebes. He is recorded in these traditions as a son of the earlier generation (variants name Amphiaraus among his father‑figures) and as leader of the Argives who attacked and took Thebes in vengeance for the deaths of their fathers, the Seven. Genealogically he functions in some traditions as an ancestor: one Alcmaeon is cited as the great‑grandson of Nestor, from whom the Alcmaeonidae claimed descent. The name is also applied to other, distinct figures (a King of Athens and a later historical Alcmaeon of Croton), so contexts must be checked to identify which Alcmaeon is intended.

Surviving references do not provide a consistent physical description; classical sources and genealogical lists identify Alcmaeon by role, lineage, and actions rather than by bodily detail. Dramatic titles (Euripides’ lost plays Alcmaeon in Corinth and Alcmaeon in Psophis) indicate theatrical treatments existed but do not survive to give an appearance account.

Alcmaeon is attested as a powerful mortal leader and avenger: chief of the Argive force among the Epigoni who captured Thebes, and as father and progenitor in genealogical traditions (father of Acarnan and Amphoterus in one tradition; Amphilochus is in some accounts called a son or descendant). The supplied material does not attribute inherent supernatural powers to him; his significance is martial, genealogical, and dramatic rather than magical or divine.