Amphictyon facts for kids

Amphictyon or Amphiktyon (/æmˈfɪkti.ɒn/; Ancient Greek: Ἀμφικτύων), in Greek mythology, was a king. He ruled first in Thermopylae and later in Athens. Some stories also say he was the ruler of Locris.

What Does His Name Mean?

The name Amphictyon comes from an old Greek word. It means "neighbors" or "people living around." This name is related to the word Amphictyons. This word described groups of people who lived near important temples.

Amphictyon's Family

Amphictyon was often said to be the second son of Deucalion and Pyrrha. These two were famous survivors of a great flood in Greek myths. Another story says he was "autochthonous." This means he was born from the earth itself. He was also sometimes called a son of Hellen.

Amphictyon married a daughter of King Cranaus of Athens. He had a son named Itonus. Itonus later became the father of Boeotus, Iodame, and Chromia. Amphictyon also had a daughter whose name is not known. She became the mother of Cercyon and Triptolemus.

His Story as King

One story says that Amphictyon fled a great flood with his father, Deucalion. They went to Athens to find safety. Later, Amphictyon became king of Thermopylae. He brought together the people living around a temple there. He called them "Amphictyons" and made sacrifices for them.

Eventually, Amphictyon took over the throne from King Cranaus in Athens. He ruled Athens for about 10 to 12 years. During his rule, he founded the Amphictyonic League. This was an important religious group that met in Thermopylae. It was a league of different tribes who shared a common temple.

It is said that during his time as king, the god Dionysus visited him in Athens. Dionysus taught him how to properly mix water with wine. Amphictyon was later removed from power by Erichthonius. Erichthonius was another king of Athens who was also said to be born from the earth.

See Also

• Amphictyonic league, or Amphictyony, an ancient religious association of tribes