Historiae Romanorum

Eurystheus

Eurystheus is a son of Sthenelus and Nicippe.  When Sthenelus died, Eurystheus inherited the throne of Myceneae and Tiryns.  Eurytheus is best known for assigning the twelve labors to Heracles, in an attempt to dispose of his powerful rival to the throne (Eurystheus' father Sthenelus had banished Heracles' father Amphitryon).  Heracles completed the seemingly impossible twelve labors, and was released Eurystheus' service. 

After the death of Heracles, Eurystheus attempted to rid the world his many children, the Heraclids.  The Heraclids fled to Athens, where Theseus offered them his protection.  When Eurystheus and his army attacked the Heraclids and Athenians, Eurystheus was killed and his army beaten.

Since Eurystheus had no sons, Atreus, a son of Pelops, inherited the throne of Mycenae.

Source(s):

1. Apollodorus.  Bibliotece.

This page was last updated on July 21, 2004.