AMPHICTYON (son of Deucalion in Greek mythology)
Figure of myth · son of Deucalion in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Deucalion, Pyrrha
- Siblings
- Hellen
- Consorts
- Cranae
- Children
- Itonus, Aetolus, Physcus
- In the sources
- 15 ancient passages
Amphictyon, son of Deucalion and Pyrrha, ruled Attica, though some accounts trace his parentage to the earth itself.1,2,3 He held the title of king of the Athenians and was the first man to mix wine, a skill he learned from Dionysus.4,5
His reign began when he expelled his relative Cranaus from the throne and succeeded him as ruler.1,3 Amphictyon married Cranae, the daughter of the deposed king, and their children included Itonus, Aetolus, and Physcus.6,7,8 He also fathered the woman who became the mother of Triptolemus and Cercyon.9
As king, he taught the Athenians the correct proportions for mixing wine and made a law requiring only a taste of unmixed wine after meals, with the rest served mixed on the table.4,5 He enjoined guests to invoke Zeus the Saviour while drinking to be preserved from injury.4 Beyond the symposium, he was credited with teaching the interpretation of portents and dreams.10
Amphictyon is said to have called together various Greek tribes for a shared assembly, and some believe he established the Greek assembly that convenes at Delphi.11,2 Some claim the delegates to this assembly were named after him.2 He built a temple dedicated to the Upright Dionysus and an altar to the Nymphs near the altar to the Straight Dionysus.5,4
His rule over the region of Attica lasted for a period of twelve years before Erichthonius and his companions forced him into exile.3,6 Though his rule ended in exile, a temple dedicated to Amphictyon stands in the village of Anthele.3,6,12
The codex facts behind this entry
He was the king of the Athenians when he taught wine mixing. Athenaeus 2.7 +1
In the myths
Amphictyon rebelled against his relative Cranaus, expelled him from the throne, and succeeded him as ruler of Attica. Apollodorus 1.7.2 +3 Erichthonius and his companions forced Amphictyon into exile. Apollodorus 3.14.6 +1 Amphictyon was the first person to mix wine, having learned the art from Dionysus, and taught the Athenians the correct proportions for mixing wine. Athenaeus 2.7 +1
