Zeus seduced Antiope in the form of a satyr, fathering the twins Amphion and Zethus, who later built the walls of Thebes — Amphion's lyre moving stones into place.
The twins Zethus and Amphion embodied contrasting virtues — physical strength and artistic genius — yet united to conquer Thebes and build its walls, their complementary gifts creating what neither could alone.
Amphion and Zethus killed Dirce to avenge their mother Antiope's years of mistreatment. They tied her to a wild bull that dragged her to death, a scene famous in ancient art.
Amphion and Zethus killed Lycus of Thebes to avenge their mother Antiope, whom Lycus had imprisoned and allowed Dirce to torment for years. The twins then seized the Theban throne.
Zethus co-ruled Thebes with his twin Amphion after overthrowing Lycus. Together they fortified the city with its famous seven-gated walls, Zethus hauling stones by brute strength.
Zethus was Antiope's son by Zeus, twin to Amphion. Raised by shepherds on Mount Cithaeron, he became a herdsman and hunter, and later helped avenge his mother against Dirce.
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