Amphitryon is a character from Greek mythology, best known as the husband of Alcmene and the stepfather of Heracles (Hercules)
Antique Fresco of Amphitryon from Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town, located in the modern-day comune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy. Similar to its neighbor Pompeii, Herculaneum was destroyed by volcanic ash and pumice during the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Amphitryon was a famous figure in Greek mythology and the son of Alcaeus and Astydameia (or possibly Laonome or Hipponome). He is best known for his marriage to Alcmene, who was the mother of the legendary hero Heracles.
Amphitryon was a Theban general who fought against the Taphians and the Teleboans. After he defeated them, he was invited to stay in the palace of King Creon, where he met and fell in love with Creon’s daughter, Alcmene. However, she was already promised in marriage to Amphitryon’s uncle, Electryon.
When Electryon was accidentally killed by Amphitryon, Amphitryon was forced to flee Thebes and went into exile. After some time, Amphitryon returned to Thebes, married Alcmene, and together they had two children: a son, Iphicles, and a daughter, Laonome.
However, Amphitryon’s marriage was plagued by the interference of the Greek god Zeus, who impregnated Alcmene with his own son, Heracles, while Amphitryon was away on a military campaign.
