Amphictyon (Ancient Greek: Αμφικτυών), in Greek mythology, was the second son of Deucalion and Pyrrha,[1] although there was also a tradition that he was autochthonous (born from the earth);[2] he is also said to be a son of Hellen son of Deucalion and Pyrrha.[3] Amphictyon was king of Thermopylae and married a daughter of Cranaus of Athens.[4] According to some accounts this daughter was named Atthis, although this conflicts with other accounts which relate that she died young as a unmarried virgin.[5] Amphictyon eventually deposed Cranaus, proclaiming himself king of Athens.[2][4]
Amphictyon had a son, Itonus, who in his turn became the father of Boeotus, Iodame and Chromia by Melanippe.[6][7][8] He also had a daughter, never mentioned by name, who became the mother of Cercyon by Poseidon, and of Triptolemus by Rarus.[9] Some add that Amphictyon had another son, Physcus, by Chthonopatra;[10] others, however, state that Physcus was the grandson of Amphictyon through Aetolus.[11]
Amphictyon ruled Athens for ten, or in some accounts, twelve years and founded the Amphictyonic League, which traditionally met at Thermopylae in historical times.[12][13] During his reign, Dionysus was supposed to have visited Amphictyon in Athens and taught him how to mix water with wine in the proper proportions.[14] Amphictyon was deposed by Erichthonius, another autochthonous king of Athens.[2]
Regnal titles | ||
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Preceded by Cranaus |
King of Athens 10 years |
Succeeded by Erichthonius |