in fabulous history, a son of CEdipus and Jocasta. After his father's death, it was agreed between him and his brother Polynices that they should both share the royalty, and reign a year each alternately. Eteocles by right of seniority first ascended the throne; but after the first year of his reign had expired, he refused to give up the crown to his brother, according to their mutual agreement. Resolved to punish such an open violation of a solemn engagement, Polynices went to implore the assistance of Adrastus, king of Argos, received that king's daughter in marriage, and was soon afterwards assisted with a strong army, headed by seven famous generals. Whilst these hostile preparations were making, Eteocles on his part did not remain inactive. He chose seven brave chiefs to oppose the seven leaders of the Argives, and stationed them at the seven gates of the city; he placed himself against his brother Polynices, and opposed Menalippus to Tydeus, Polyphontes to Capaneus, Megareus to Eteocles, Hyperbus to Parthenopeus, and Lasthenes to Amphiarus. Much blood having been shed in light and unavailing skirmishes, it was at last agreed between the two brothers that the war should be decided by single combat. An encounter accordingly ensued, and was conducted with such inextinguishable fury that both combatants fell; nay it is even pretended that the ashes of these two brothers, who had been so identical to each other while living, separated on the burning pile, as if sensible of resentment, and hostile to reconciliation.