Thebais

The Thebais was an epic poem by Antimachus of Colophon, a Greek poet and scholar who lived around 410 BCE. This extensive work, comprising 24 books, recounted the myth of the Seven Against Thebes. The story details the tragic conflict between the twin brothers Eteocles and Polyneices over the throne of Thebes, a dispute that led to a devastating battle where seven champions, including the brothers, perished. While the Thebais was not initially popular, it gained significant admiration in antiquity, influencing later poets and scholars. Antimachus also wrote other poetry, including the Lyde, which explored themes of unhappy love through mythological tales. His scholarly approach to poetry made him a model for Alexandrian poets, though he also faced criticism from some prominent figures.12